A          LIBRARY   OF   THE    UNIVERSITY   OF   CALIFORNIA         LIBRARY    OF 


LIBRARY    OF   THE   UNIVERSITY   OF   CALIFORNIA          LIBRARY   01 


ITY   OF   CALIFORNIA          LIBRARY   OF   THE    UNIVERSITY   OF   CALIFORN 


ITY   OF   CALIFORNIA 


LIBRARY    OF   THE    UNIVERSITY   OF   CALIFORN 


GUIDE    TO    HAYTI. 


EDITED    BY 


JAMES      REDPATH 


BOSTON: 

HAYTIAN    BUREAU     OF     EMIGRATION, 
221  WASHINGTON  STREET. 

[Tenth  Thousand.]  1 86 1 . 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1861,  by 

JAMES     RED  PATH, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


•  «O.     C.     BAND     &     AVERT. 


DEDICATION. 


TO 

JAMES   REDPATH,    SENIOR, 

OF    ALLEGAN,    MICHIGAN, 
MY    UNCLE, 

AS    A    TESTIMONY    OF     GRATITUDE 

FOR    HIS 

LONG  AND  UNWEARYING  KINDNESS  TO 
MY  FATHER'S  FAMILY, 

I     DEDICATE     THIS     BOOK. 

JAMES    REDPATH. 


INVITATION. 


TTAYTI  will  soon  regain  her  ancient  splendor.  This  marvel- 
A  lous  soil  that  our  fathers,  blefled  by  God,  conquered  for 
us,  will  soon  yield  to  us  the  wealth  now  hidden  in  its  bosom.  Let 
our  black  and  yellow  brethren,  scattered  through  the  Antilles, 
and  North  and  South  America,  hasten  to  co-operate  with  us  in 
reftoring  the  glory  of  the  Republic.  Hayti  is  the  common  coun 
try  of  the  black  race.  Our  anceftors,  in  taking  pofTession  of  it, 
were  careful  to  announce  in  the  Conilitution  that  they  publifhed, 
that  all  the  descendants  of  Africans,  and  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Weil  Indies,  belong  by  right  to  the  Haytian  family.  The  idea 
was  grand  and  generous. 

Liilen,  then,  all  ye  negroes  and  mulattoes  who,  in  the  vaft 
Continent  of  America,  suffer  from  the  prejudices  of  cafte.  The 
Republic  calls  you ;  she  invites  you  to  bring  to  her  your  arms 
and  your  minds.  The  regenerating  work  that  she  undertakes 
interefts  all  colored  people  and  their  descendants,  no  matter  what 
their  origin,  or  where  their  place  of  birth. 

Hayti,  regaining  her  former  position,  retaking  her  ancient 
sceptre  as  Queen  of  the  Antilles,  will  be  a  formal  denial,  most 
eloquent  and  peremptory,  against  those  detractors  of  our  race 
who  contest  our  desire  and  ability  to  attain  a  high  degree  of 
civilization. 

GEFFRARD. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

TITLE 1 

DEDICATION 3 

ADVERTISEMENT 6 

TABLE  OF  CONTENTS '.  7-8 

EDITOR'S  INTRODUCTION 9-11 

THE  PINE  AND  PALM 12 

BOOK  FIRST  —  THE  QUEEN  OF  THE  ANTILLES  ....  13-60 

BOOK  SECOND  —  THE  EEPUBLIC  AND  EMIGRATION   .        .       .  61-126 

BOOK  THIRD  —  KOUGH  NOTES  AND  ESSAYS        ....  127-175 

INDEX 177-180 

gook  <firsi— -%  (Queen  of  %  gurfilltt. 

L  —  History  of  Hayti,  by  Auguste  Elie 15-24 

II.  —  Geography  of  Hayti,  by  B.  Ardouin 25-38 

III.  —  The  Animal  Kingdom,  by  the  Editor        ....  39-42 

IV.  —  The  Vegetable  Kingdom,  by  the  Editor    ....  43-49 
V.  —  The  Mineral  Kingdom,  by  Dr.  W.  G.  Smith     .        .        .  50-52 

VI.  —  Soil  of  Hayti,  by  W.  S.  Courtney 53-55 

VII.  —  Climate,  Seasons,  and  Temperature,  by  Dr.  W.  G.  Smith,  56-59 

§ooh  JSeconfc —  ftlje  Republic  anb  Emigration, 

I. — Editorial  Introduction 63-64 

II.  — Constitution  of  the  Kepublic  of  Hayti,  with  the  Legisla 
tive  Modifications  in  full      ......  65-92 

HI.  — Letter  of  A.Jean  Simon,  Secretary  of  State,  to  James 

Eedpath 93-96 

IV.  —  Call  for  Emigration,  by  F.  E.  Dubois,  Secretary  of  State,  97-99 
V.  —  Letter  of  Gen.  Fs.  Jn.  Joseph,  Secretary  of  State,  to 

Kev.  Wm.  P.  Newman,  ' 100-103 


8 


Contents. 


VI.  — Vacant  Lands:  Report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior 
to  His  Excellency  the  President  of  Hayti,  on  Emigra 
tion  and  the  Vacant  Lands,  with  the  Decree  of  the 
President  in  relation  thereto 104-120 

VH.  —  Laws  on  Emigration,  with  the  Legislative  Proceedings 

thereon  .  .  lft-125 


I.  —  The  People  of  Hayti,  their  Character,  Origin,  Language, 

Industry,  and  Numbers 129-137' 

IT.  —  Religion  and  Education  :  Notes  on  the  Catholic  Church, 

Protestantism,  Religious  Toleration,  and  Education    .    138-143 
IH.  —  Notes  on  Navigation  and  Commerce        ....    144-150 
IV.  —  Political   Notes:    Territorial   Divisions,     Revenue    and 
Debts,  Army,  Navy,  Laws,  Currency,  Weights  and 
Measures,  Rights  of  Whites,  and  the  Haytian  Em 
blems      151-158 

V.  — Diseases  of  Hayti  and  then*  Remedies,  by  Dr.  W.  G. 

Smith 159-163 

VI.  — The  Seaports  of  Hayti 164-167 

VTL  —  How  to  go,  and  what  to  take  to  Hayti  ....    168-170 
VHL  —  A  Parting  Word 171-175 


INTRODUCTION. 


is  only  one  country  in  the  Western  World  where  the  Black 
JL  and  the  man  of  color  arc  undisputed  lords  ;  where  the  White  is  in 
debted  for  the  liberty  to  live  to  the  race  which  with  us  is  enslaved ;  where 
neither  laws,  nor  prejudices,  nor  historical  memories,  press  cruelly  on 
persons  of  African  descent ;  where  the  people  whom  America  degrades 
and  drives  from  her  arc  rulers,  judges,  and  generals  ;*  men  of  extended 
commercial  relations,  authors,  artists,  and  legislators ;  where  the  insolent 
question,  so  often  asked  with  us,  "What  would  become  of  the  Negro 
if  Slavery  were  abolished  ? "  is  answered  by  the  fact  of  an  independent 
Nationality  of  immovable  stability,  and  a  Government  inspired  with  the 
spirit  of  progress.  The  name  of  this  country  is  HATTI.  To  Americans 
it  presents  an  important  and  interesting  study  in  whatever  light  regarded, 
— whether  viewed,  as  the  publicists  of  Europe  regard  the  Union,  as  a  new 
political  experiment ;  or  historically,  as  the  home  of  a  coming  race,  to  be 
composed,  like  the  English,  by  the  mingling  of  various  bloods  ;  or  philo 
sophically,  for  the  purpose  of  learning  lessons  for  our  own  national 
guidance  and  instruction  from  the  sanguinary  chronicles  of  its  wars  of 
Independence.  But  it  is  to  the  friend  of  the  Black,  and,  above  all,  to 
the  enslaved  and  persecuted  races  in  America,  that  Hayti  presents  the 
most  important  problem ;  to  both  it  has  a  higher  than  a  merely  specula 
tive  interest ;  for  to  the  philanthropist  it  suggests  the  thought  of  a  duty 
to  be  performed,  and  to  the  proscribed  it  offers  a  home  and  a  distinctive 
Nationality. 

First  interested  in  Hayti  by  the  rare  eloquence  of  Wendell  Phillips, 
I    sailed    for     Cape    Ilaytian    in    January,    1859,    for    the    purpose  j 
of  describing  the  country  and  its  people.     During  my  voyage  to  the 
Island,  a  Revolution  was  successfully  accomplished;'  an  Emperor  was 
banished,  and  a  President  installed.    A  new  historical  era  had  opened. 


io  Introduction. 


I  remained  in  the  Island  two  months,  travelling  on  foot  from  Cape  Hay- 
tian  to  Gona'ives ;  in  an  open  boat  from  that  town  to  Port-au-Prince,  and 
on  horseback  from  the  capital  to  Jacmel.  I  occupied  myself  exclusively 
in  gathering  information,  —  geographical,  political,  and  historical.  I  re 
turned  to  Boston  in  April ;  but,  finding  that  my  Notes  were  incomplete, 
and  in  many  instances  contradictory,  and  desirous  of  correcting  my  first 
impressions  by  more  extended  studies,  I  again  sailed  for  Hayti  in  June, 

—  disembarking  at  Gona'ives  ;  from  which,  in  July,  I  made  a  pedestrian 
tour  to  the  American  colored  settlement  at  L'Arcahaie.  From  that  fertile 
district,  I  sailed  to  Port-au-Prince,  where  I  resided  until  my  departure  in 
September. 

My  third  visit  was  made  in  July  of  this  year,  for  the  purpose  of  explor 
ing  Tortuga  and  the  other  insular  dependencies  of  Hayti. 

In  the  mean  time,  among  other  patriotic  projects  of  progress,  material 
and  moral,  which  the  Government  of  President  Geffrard  had  devised,  was 
the  plan  of  inviting  an  immigration  into  Hayti  of  all  the  enlightened  and 
industrious  men  of  African  descent,  in  the  States  and  the  Provinces  of 
North  America.  As  an  Abolitionist  and  a  Republican,  I  felt  a 
double  interest  in  this  project, — for  not  only  will  it  be  an  agency  of 
strengthening  a  colored  Nation,  by  developing  its  resources,  introducing 
new  inventions,  and  bringing  to  it  also  moral  sources  of  power,  and  thus 
demonstrating  the  capacity  of  the  race  for  self-government,  but  it  will 
carry  out  the  programme  of  the  ablest  intellects  of  the  Republican  Party, 

—  of  surrounding  the  Southern  States  with  a  cordon  of  free  labor,  within 
which,  like  a  scorpion  girded  by  fire,   Slavery  must  inevitably  die. 
There  is  no  country  in  the  world  better  adapted  for  the  culture  of  cotton, 
sugar,  rice,  and  other  Southern  staples,  than  Hayti.     All  that  it  needs  is 
laborers,  intelligent  and  industrious,  to  devote  themselves  to  the  work. 
Thus,  with  the  lever  of  an  enlightened  immigration  in  Hayti,  the  colored 
men  of  America  could  greatly  aid  in  overturning  the  system  of  chattel 
Slavery  in  the  South. 

Brought  into  correspondence  with  the  Government  of  Hayti,  I  sug 
gested  a  number  of  guarantees  to  immigrants  that  should~be  officially  an 
nounced  ;  all  of  them,  and  many  others  subsequently  asked  for,  (which 
will  be  found  in  the  following  pages)  were  immediately  and  publicly 
conceded.  It  will  be  found,  also,  that,  in  its  desire  for  an  enlightened 
immigration,  the  Government  has  transcended,  not  the  demands  only, 
but  the  expectations  of  the  friends  and  representatives  of  the  colored 
people  in  America.  Requested  to  indicate  the  measures  that  should  be 
employed  to  inform  the  class  of  immigrants  invited  of  the  nature  of  tho 
country,  the  offers  and  intentions  of  the  Government,  and  all  the  facts 
which  men,  seeking  a  new  home,  are  naturally  desirous  of  learning,  I 


Introduction.  1 1 


suggested,  among  other  measures,  the  publication  of  a  Guide  Book,  tlio 
establishment  of  a  corresponding  office  in  the  States,  and  the  appoint 
ment  of  Agents  to  visit  the  various  localities  in  the  Union  and  Canada 
in  which  there  are  settlements  of  men  of  African  descent.  This  pro 
gramme  was  adopted,  and  I  was  asked  to  take  charge  of  its  execution. 
I  accepted  the  position,  and  prepared  this  book.  The  experience  that  I 
gained  in  the  Kansas  work  had  taught  me  that  it  is  neither  possible 
nor  desirable  to  put  into  a  Guide  Book — for  I  once  attempted  to  do  so 
—  all  that  intending  emigrants  will  ask.  Hence,  in  this  volume,  the 
reader  will  find  the  essential  facts  only ;  for  further  information,  he  must 
apply,  personally  or  by  letter,  to  the  office  in  Boston,  where  certified 
copies  of  the  Governmental  guarantees,  the  journals  of  Hayti,  books  of 
reference,  maps,  specimens  of  the  ores,  and  of  the  staple  cultures  of  the 
Island,  will  be  found. 

All  that  section  of  this  volume  entitled  "  Official  Part,"  is  authorized 
by  the  Government  of  Hayti,  having  been  submitted  to  the  Minister  of 
Exterior  Relations,  and  other  members  of  the  Cabinet  of  President 
Geffrard.  The  original  Documents  bear  the  Seals  of  the  respective  De 
partments  from  which  they  emanated,  or  to  which  they  were  submitted 
for  confirmation.  For  the  rest,  I  have  given  my  authorities,  or  write  from 
my  personal  knowledge. 

The  Island  of  Hayti,  originally  divided  between  the  French  and 
Spanish,  but  reunited  under  President  Boyer,  in  1822,  returned  to  its 
colonial  political  divisions  in  1843,  from  causes  which  it  would  be  entering 
into  the  domain  of  politics  to  enumerate.  Since  that  time  the  Domini 
can  Republic  has  held  a  large  portion  of  the  ancient  Eastern  or  Spanish 
Part,  and  the  Governments  of  Hayti  the  Western,  or  old  French  Part, 
with  considerable  annexations.  As  both  Parts  are  nearly  similar  in 
their  natural  features,  while  writing  in  detail  respecting  Hayti,  I  have,  at 
the  same  time,  inserted  a  general  geographical  view  of  both  of  these 
Divisions. 

The  translations  are  by  various  hands ;  all  of  them  are  extremely 
literal.  The  Map  accompanying  the  Geffrard  Edition  is  the  most  ac 
curate  hitherto  published. 

JAMES   REDPATII. 

HAYTIAN  BUREAU  OP  EMIGRATION,  ) 

No.  8  Washington  Building,  Boston.  V 

December  3,  I860.  N 


THE    PINE    AND    PALM. 


FANCY. 
I. 


On  a  bald  peak  Northern 
Stands  the  Pine-tree  lonely: 

Sleeping, — his  white  mantle 
Ice  and  snow-flakes  only. 

ii. 

Dreaming  that  a  Palm-tree, 
Morning  land  adorning, 

Lonely,  on  heights  sultry, 
Silently  is  mourning. 

H.  HEINE. 


FACT. 
I. 


On  the  hills  of  Hayti, 

Wave  the  Palm-trees  gladly: 

Never  in  their  slumbers 
Sigh  the  Pine-trees  sadly. 

ii. 

Verdant  are  their  branches, 
Never  winter-blighted ; 

Married, — see  the  loving 
Pines  and  Palms  united. 

JAS.  REDPATH. 


THE    QUEEN    OF    THE    ANTILLES. 


HISTOEY,    GEOGRAPHY,    NATURAL    WEALTH. 


I. 

f)i0tor£  of 

IT  was  the  6th  of  December,  1492,  that  Christopher  Colum 
bus  discovered  the  Island  of  Hayti.      For  this  Caribbee 
name,  the  great  navigator  substituted  that  of  Hispaniola,  in 
honor  of  Spain,  his  adopted  country. 

It  was  the  first  land  in  America  on  which  Europeans  were  to*"~~ 
settle,  and  it  was  the  first  where  the  peaceful  aborigines  who 
inhabited  it  were  to  fall  beneath  the  devouring  activity  of  their   * 
new  masters.     The  five  caciques,  who  divided  the  authority, 
were  subdued,  some  by  the  flattering  manners  of  the  Spaniards, 
arid  the  rest  by  the  force  of  their  arms. 

The  brevity  of  this  sketch  forbids  us  to  relate  the  many 
changes  of  the  long  drama  which  transformed  this  happy  and 
populous  island  into  a  blood-stained  desert.  We  refer  those 
who  are  curious  to  learn  this  lamentable  story,  to  the  Life  of 
Columbus,  by  Washington  Irving.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  the 
conquerors,  having  found  quantities  6^  gold  in  the  country, 
abandoned  themselves  with  eagerness  to  the  research  of  this 
metal ;  and  the  aborigines,  men  little  accustomed  to  labor, 
forced  by  their  masters  to  the  fatiguing  work  of  the  mines,  quickly 
succumbed. 

The  discovery  of  the  richer  mines  of  Mexico  caused  those  of 

*  Translated  from  the  original  sketch  of  Mr.  Auguste  Elie,  of  Port-au- 
Prince,  which  was  written  expressly  for  this  volume. 


16  History  of  Hayti. 

Hayti  to  be  abandoned,  their  working  having  become  difficult 
on  account  of  an  insufficient  population. 

Another  cause  of  decay  was  being  developed  at  the  same 
time.  This  was  the  war  sustained  by  the  Dutch,  English,  and 
French  against  the  Spanish  navigators,  who  designed  to  exclude 
every  othej  flag  from  these  new  seas.  These  adventurers,  who 
sailed  in  light  vessels,  and  who  afterwards  became  celebrated 
under  the  name  of  Buccaneers,  settled  at  several  points,  and 
especially  at  Tortuga,  a  small  island  situated  on  the  northern 
coast  of  Hayti.  From  thence,  they  spread  by  degrees  over  the 
main  land,  where  they  founded,  under  the  protection  of  Cardi 
nal  Richelieu,  the  French  colony  of  St.  Domingo. 

The  Spaniards,  from  the  commencement  of  their  settlement, 
introduced  slaves  of  African  origin  into  Santo  Domingo,  the 
name  of  the  capital,  which,  instead  of  Hispaniola,  was  soon  ap 
plied  to  the  whole  island.  The  two  oppressed  races  lived  in  the 
same  tortures ;  but  when,  three  centuries  later,  came  the  hour 
of  deliverance,  the  public  law  of  the  new  nationality  recognized 
their  common  right  to  the  exclusive  property  of  the  soil. 

•  Under  the  Spanish  dominion,  the  colony  remained  stationary. 
Three  hundred  years  of  possession  had  only  produced  a  popula 
tion  varying  from  100,000  to  150,000  souls. 

The  French  had  much  greater  success.  In  178ft,  the  por 
tion  which  they  possessed  numbered  a  population  of  about 
600,000,  and  five  sixths  of  this  population,  compelled  to  labor 
in  merciless  bondage,  had  brought  the  property  of  the  masters 
to  the  highest  degree  of  prosperity. 

The  French  Revolution  now  added  another  danger  to  that 
which  had  already  shown  itself  in  partial  revolts  amongst  the 
slaves.  The  white  colonists,  and  the  free  men  of  color*  formed 
antagonistic  parties,  who  discussed  their  privileges  in  presence 
of  the  trembling  slave.  The  logical  conclusion  of  such  a  state 

*  In  Ilayti,  the  phrase  "  men  of  color »  is  u?ed  exclusively  to  designate 
persona  of  mixed  blood,  black  being  applied  and  confined  to  those  of%ure 
Alrican  descent. 


History  of  Hayti.  17 

of  things  was  necessarily  the  asseftion  of  more  general  rights  ; 
and  the  insurrection  of  the  slaves  soon  swept  away  all  the  insti 
tutions  of  the  past.  Slavery  disappeared  forever  from  the  face 
of  the  country,  and  a  decree  of  the  National  Convention  legalized 
that  universal  liberty  which  had  already  become  triumphant. 

The  colonists,  from  the  commencement  of  the  crisis,  had  par 
tially  pronounced  in  favor  of  deserting  the  cause  of  the  Mother 
Country. 

A  few  of  the  principal  insurgent  chiefs,  especially  Toussaint 
Louverturc,  soon  began  to  think  of  independence.  Their  hatred 
of  a  past  which  they  held  in  abhorrence  prevented  their  alliance 
with  any  of  the  new  parties.  They  passed  from  one  flag  to 
the  very  opposite  one.  Others,  like  lligaud,  devoted  them 
selves  to  republican  France ;  but  the  majority  of  them  fought 
vigorously  against  the  English,  at  that  time  the  supporters  of 
the  slaveholders.  In  vain  did  Spain  and  England  maintain 
the  cause  of  the  old  regime.  The  newly  freed,  seconded  by  the 
energy  of  Sonthonax,  member  of  the  Convention,  triumphed  in 
the  cause  of  liberty.  In  order  to  baffle  the  designs  of 
independence  entertained  by  Toussaint  Louverturc,  and  to 
establish  the  former  state  of  things,  Napoleon,  First  Consul, 
sent  to  St.  Domingo  an  army  composed  of  the  soldiers  of  the 
Pyramids,  Marengo,  and  Hohenlinden.  One  hundred  and  fifty 
millions  of  francs,  and  twenty  thousand  men  of  his  best  troops 
were  swallowed  up  in  this  expedition,  —  one  of  the  most  terri 
ble  lessons  ever  read  to  this  great  man.  The  only  gain  accruing 
to  him  from  this  enterprise  was  the  capture  of  Toussaint  Louver- 
turc,  (who  was  taken  by  treachery,)  and  the  shame  of  the  death 
of  this  celebrated  chief,  who  perished  of  misery  and  cold  in  the 
Castle  of  Joux. 

At  the  head  of  tjie  valiant  soldiers  who  had  been  fighting  for 
ten  years  for  their  liberty,  the  most  distinguished  chiefs  were 
Dessalines,  Petion,  and  Christophe.  This  time,  it  was  no  longer 
against  servitude  only  that  they  unfurled  their  banner,  —  it  wag 


i8  History  of  Hayti. 

in  the  name  of  a  higher  principle,  —  that  of  National  Indepen 
dence. 

The  capitulation  of  the  Cape,  signed  on  the  28th  of  Novem 
ber,  1803,  by  General  Rochambeau,  was  followed  shortly  after 
by  the  proclamation  of  independence.  This  act,  which  is  the 
starting-point  of  Haytian  nationality,  was  signed  at  Gonaives  on 
the  1st  of  January,  1804. 

By  the  treaty  of  Bale,  Spain  had  abandoned  to  France  the 
Spanish  part  of  St.  Domingo.  Toussaint  Louverture,  in  his 
capacity  of  governor-general,  had  gone  to  take  possession  of 
the  country,  and  was  there  even  at  the  time  of  the  arrival  of 
the  French  expedition.  In  the  name  of  this  right,  in  1804,  the 
Empire  of  Hayti  was  created,  comprising  the  entire  mainland, 
and  the  adjacent  islands.  Dessalines,  named  Emperor,  sought 
to  occupy  Santo  Domingo ;  but  in  this  enterprise  he  failed,  being 
baffled  by  the  resistance  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Eastern  Part, 
who  were  supported  by  General  Ferrand,  commanding,  in  the 
name  of  France,  a  small  remnant  of  the  expedition  of  Napo 
leon. 

The  Constitution  of  1804  was  liberal.  Its  decrees  have  no 
longer  any  other  than  an  historical  interest.  Nevertheless, 
one  of  its  articles  has  survived  its  wreck,  that,  namely,  on  which 
is  based  the  exceptional  nationality  of  Hayti.  It  recognizes  the 
right  of  property  in  the  country  to  belong  exclusively  to  men 
of  the  African  or  Indian  races,  and  has  been  maintained  in 
every  subsequent  Constitution. 

Dessalines,  on  his  accession  as  Emperor,  was  placed  in  a  very 
embarrassing  position,  in  a  country  entirely  disorganized,  and  in 
which  compulsory  labor  had  always  existed,  even  under  Tous 
saint.  In  order  to  continue  the  traditions  received  from  the 
past,  he  believed  that,  armed  with  dictatoriaj,  power,  it  was  his 
duty  to  crush  every  obstacle  that  opposed  his  course.  His 
cruelty  arrayed  against  him  his  ancient  companions  in  arms. 
Powerful  enmities  arose  against  him  on  all  sides,  and  he  was 
assassinated  near  Port-au-Prince,  on  his  return  from  a  journey 


History  of  Hayti.  19 

to  the  Capo.  This  time  a  more  liberal  compact  was  adopted,  in 
imitation  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  Christophe 
was  called  to  the  presidency  of  the  Republic  of  Hayti,  but 
the  form  of  the  new  government  being  contrary  to  his  wishes, 
he  refused  to  accept  its  conditions,  and  began  a  fratricidal  war, 
which  lasted  till  his  death. 

Having  failed  in  his  attempt  to  seize  Port-au-Prince,  he  with 
drew  to  the  Cape,  which  became  the  capital  of  the  State  of 
Hayti,  and  on  the  2d  of  June,  1811,  he  caused  himself  to  be 
crowned  King.  Endowed  with  talent  for  organization,  but  of  a 
nature  both  despotic  and  cruel,  he  was  unsuccessful  in  founding 
anything  durable,  for  his  artificial  creations  were  unsupported 
by  the  aspirations  of  a  free  people.  His  attempts  against  the 
Republic,  less  powerful  than  his  own  State,  failed  on  account  of 
the  secret  support  that  Petion  found  amongst  the  subjects  of  the 
King.  At  length,  being  unable,  in  consequence  of  an  attack 
of  paralysis,  to  mount  his  horse,  when  on  the  point  of  starting 
to  repress  a  sedition,  he  blew  out  his  brains  on  the  8th  of  Octo 
ber,  1820,  in  his  palace  of  Sans  Souci. 

After  the  refusal  of  the  presidency  by  Christophe  in  1806. 
Petion  was  named  in  his  stead.  An  able  statesman  and  a 
sincere  republican,  he  had,  during  the  whole  course  of  his  life, 
to  struggle  against  men  infinitely  inferior  to  him  in  talent. 
Betrayed  by  his  companions  in  arms,  little  understood  even  by 
men  of  note,  he  overcame  by  his  address  all  the  obstacles  which 
appeared  ready  to  crush  him.  His  war  against  Christophe  was 
his  principal  difficulty,  but  the  secession  of  the  Department  of 
the  South,  which  was,  for  a  time,  erected  into  an  independent 
State  under  Rigaud,  added,  also,  greatly  to  his  embarrassments. 
This  famous  chief  of  the  first  wars  of  the  Revolution,  compro 
mised  his  past  glory  in  lending  himself,  at  Cayes,  to  a  division 
which  might  have  proved  fatal  to  the  Republic. 

After  having  reannexed  the  South,  at  the  death  of  Rigaud, 
and  repulsed  an  attack  he  sustained  from  Christophe,  Petion 
put  into  execution  an  idea  which  he  had  long  before  conceived. 


2o  History  of  Hayti. 


He  had  understood,  with  his  great  sagacity,  that,  in  order  to 
settle  the  new  society,  it  was  necessary  to  attach  to  the  soil,  by 
ties  of  a  nature  agreeable  to  the  existing  institutions,  those  men 
who,  for  twenty  years,  as  soldiers  and  civil  officers,  had  served 
their  country  with  devotion.  He  gave  them,  gratuitously,  large 
quantities  of  land,  and  nearly  all  the  territorial  grants  are  dated 
from  his  time. 

One  of  the  objects  of  Petion's  attention,  was  the  Revision  of 
the  Constitution.  In  Hayti,  the  same  fault  had  been  committed 
as  at  Philadelphia  ;  in  presence  of  the  Executive  there  had  been 
created  a  Senate,  invested  with  all  the  legislative  power,  as  well 
as  with  some  executive  privileges.  But  with  men  less  enlight 
ened  and  less  disciplined,  the  inconveniences  of  the  system 
were  still  more  disastrous.  Profiting  by  acquired  experience, 
Petion  demanded  the  Revision  of  the  Constitution  of  1806, 
and  this  was  done  at  Grand  Goave,  with  all  the  legal  forms,  in 
the  year  1816.  This  act,  in  its  principal  outline,  was  the  result 
of  an  amalgamation  of  the  American  Constitution  with  the 
Constitution  of  the  Year  3  of  the  French  Republic. 

Petion  died  shortly  after,  worn  out  by  twenty-five  years 
of  continual  struggles.  Posterity  has  been  more  just  towards 
him  than  his  contemporaries,  and  has  placed  him  with  reason  at 
the  head  of  the  statesmen  of  his  country. 

General  Boyer  succeeded  to  the  Presidency.  He  had  the 
glory  of  repressing  in  the  South  the  insurrection  of  a  partisan 
chief,  whom  Petion  had  never  succeeded  in  subduing ;  of  unit 
ing,  at  the  death  of  Christophe,  the  north  of  the  Island  to  the 
Republic,  and  of  effecting  the  annexation  of  the  old  Spanish 
Part  to  his  dominions.  Under  his  government  of  twenty-five 
years,  the  administration  was  put  upon  a  better  footing  in  all 
its  branches,  and  the  independence  of  the  country  recognized 
by  the  principal  European  Powers.  But  from  the  date  of  his 
treaty  with  France,  in  1825,  his  vigor  and  activity  were  seen  to 
diminish.*  A  kind  of  general  languor  spread  over  the  Govern- 

*  Mr.  Elie  here  refers  to  the  Treaty,  by  which  President  Boyer  agreed  to  pay 


History  of  Hayti.  21 

ment  and  the  country,  and  this  long  peace  was  in  no  way 
utilized  to  the  interest  of  the  future.  Boyer  introduced 
paper  money  into  the  country.  If  he  did  not  mal^e  a  wrong 
use  of  this  financial  expedient,  he  was  none  the  less  its  inventor ; 
and  the  rate  of  the  Spanish  dollar  fell  sixty  per  cent,  during 
his  administration. 

He  was  overthrown  by  a  revolution  set  on  foot  by  men  of 
abilities  much  inferior  to  his  own.  He  fell,  struck  down  by  a 
reaction  of  public  opinion  against  him,  provoked  by  an  excess 
of  vanity  which  blinded  him  to  the  fact  that,  though  a  man  be 
superior  in  intellect  to  others,  such  superiority  must  be  mani 
fested  in  his  actions.  He  believed  that  the  power  at  his  com 
mand  would  be  sufficient  to  crush  the  pretensions  of  the  oppo 
sition  ;  but  he  was  deceived. 

He  died  in  exile,  which  he  bore  with  dignity,  avoiding  every 
step  that  might  have  been  productive  of  agitation  in  his  country. 
And  the  comparisons  which  have  been  made  between  his  gov 
ernment  and  those  that  have  succeeded  it,  have  been  wholly  to 
his  advantage. 

Under  the  Provisional  Government  that  succeeded  him,  a 
Constitution,  resembling  still  more  those  of  the  United  States 
than  the  preceding  ones,  was  voted  in  due  form.  Only  one  of 
its  articles  was  put  into  execution,  viz :  that  which  treated  of 
the  nomination  of  the  President.  General  Herard  Rivere,  the 
leader  of  the  last  revolution,  and  a  man  of  no  note,  sank,  after 
a  few  months,  overwhelmed  by  the  reprobation  of  the  public. 
This  period  is  signalized  by  two  important  facts  :  the  separation 
of  the  old  Spanish  Part  from  the  Republic,  and  the  insurrection 
of  the  mountaineers  of  the  South.  Fortunately  the  nomination 
of  Guericr  to  the  Presidency  happened  in  time  to  extricate  the 
country  from  the  perilous  position  in  which  it  was  placed.  Be 
fore  this  respected  name,  all  parties  laid  down  their  arms.  He 

France  one  hundred  and  fifty  millions  of  francs,  for  the  recognition  of  II ay- 
tian  Independence,  and  as  an  indemnity  for  the  losses  of  the  colonial  proprie 
tors.  This  treaty  first  created  a  national  debt,  and  was  very  unpopular  with 
the  people.  — ED. 


22  History  of  Hayti. 

took  no  further  steps  towards  regaining  possession  of  the  old 
Spanish  Part  than  the  placing  a  corps  of  observation  on  the 
frontier,  and  the  rest  of  the  country  was  pacified. 

Guerier  died  at  the  expiration  of  a  year,  after  having  restored 
to  the  country  that  tranquillity  which  had  been  disturbed  during 
the  last  two  years.  His  name  is  always  mentioned,  to  this  day, 
with  expressions-  of  national  gratitude. 

He  was  succeeded  in  power  by  General  Pierrot,  the  brother- 
in-law  of  Christophe,  a  man  utterly  insignificant,  and  under 
whom  the  whole  of  the  administration  fell  into  great  disorder. 
A  military  insurrection  overthrew  him,  and  called  to  the  Presi 
dency  General  Riche,  a  distinguished  soldier. 

The  administration  of  Riche  was  short,  but  active  and  vigor 
ous.  A  reform  in  several  branches  of  the  general  administra 
tion  was  undertaken,  and  it  is  probable  that  if  his  early  death 
had  not  arrested  his  progress  he  would  have  completely  re 
organized  the  public  service.  Having  been  ofte  of  Christophe's 
generals,  he  introduced  into  his  government  a  severity  which 
sometimes  bordered  on  tyranny,  but  which  was  always  in  con 
formity  with  the  principles  of  a  strict  discipline.  Jealous  of  his 
power,  like  all  the  men  of  his  school,  he  was  pitiless  towards 
the  insurgents  of  the  South,  who  reappeared  at  his  accession. 

The  Constitution  of  1844  had  fallen  during  the  events  which 
separated  the  Spanish  Part  from  the  Republic,  and  threw,  for  a 
moment,  (May,  1844,)  the  country  into  a  state  of  complete 
anarchy.  Guerier,  possessing  Dictatorial  power,  created  a 
council  of  state  invested  with  legislative  powers  and  intrusted 
with  the  nomination  of  the  President  in  case  of  vacancy.  Pierrot 
governed  the  Republic  in  the  same  forms.  On  his  accession  to 
power,  Riche  adopted  the  Constitution  of  1816,  and  instituted  a 
senate  which  was  to  draw  up  a  new  fundamental  pact.  This 
was  the  origin  of  the  constitutional  law,  which,  with  the  excep 
tion  of  a  few  modifications  introduced  in  1859,  still  rules  the 
country.  It  bears  date  the  15th  November,  1846. 

Riche  died  at  the  expiration  of  a  year.     General  Faustin 


History  of  Hayti.  23 

Soulouqiie  was  elected  by  the  Senate  in  his  stead.  He  suc 
ceeded  to  power  with  the  reputation  of  being  a  virtuous  man, 
straightforward  and  well-disposed;  but  all  parties  soon  dis 
covered  how  greatly  they  had  been  deceived  in  him.  Egotism 
and  superstition  were  the  springs  of  his  actions,  and  the  pro 
longation  of  his  power  tended  to  a  complete  disorganization  of 
all  administrative  and  social  order.  The  revenue  was  publicly 
and  unblushingly  plundered,  and  the  country  was  considered 
by  the  whole  world  as  fast  receding  toward  barbarism.  Under 
the  name  of  Faustin  I.,  he  caused  himself  to  be  crowned  Em 
peror  of  Hayti ;  he  had  a  court,  a  nobility,  and  all  the  ridiculous 
pageantry  of  the  old  monarchies.  His  cruelty  rendered  him 
odious,  and  his  disrespect  of  individual  rights  made  him  utterly 
regardless  of  the  feelings  of  persons  of  every  class.  The  con 
suls  of  foreign  Powers  took  toward  his  government  a  contemptu 
ous  attitude,  which  aided  greatly  in  bringing  it  into  disrepute. 

This  despotic  power,  which  seemed  so  solid,  fell  at  length, 
without  resistance,  by  the  breath  of  a  man  of  courage, — the  Pres 
ident  of  to-day.  Accumulated  hatred  and  ardent  revenge 
clamored  for  the  death  of  the  Emperor,  but  the  Government 
had  the  merit  of  protecting  his  embarkation.  He  withdrew  to 
Jamaica,  to  fall  again  into  the  obscurity  from  which,  for  the 
happiness  of  mankind,  he  should  never  have  issued. 

The  present  Government,  which  has  held  for  nearly  two 
years  the  reins  of  administration,  has  above  all  applied  itself 
to  the  healing  of  the  wounds  inflicted  on  the  country  by  ten 
years  of  a  fatal  reign.  It  has  touched  on  all  questions  of 
general  interest,  has  succeeded  in  solving  some,  and  is  engaged 
in  studying  others.  It  understands  that  industry  and  agricul 
ture  are  the  first  wants  of  a  people  settled  on  one  of  the 
richest  soils  in  the  world,  and  it  goes  forward  with  moderation, 
but  with  firmness,  in  the  road  of  continuous  improvement. 

It  has  granted  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Eastern  Part  a  truce 
of  five  years,  resolved  to  avoid  a  war  which  it  is  not  for  its  in- 


24  History  of   Hayti. 

tcrest  to  recommence  ;  for  it  lias  enough  to  do  to  reorganize  the 
interior  and  develop  the  resources  it  possesses.  By  persevering 
in  these  wise  designs,  it  already  occupies  an  honorable  position 
among  the  Republics  of  the  New  World. 


II. 


of 


mHE  Island  of  Hayti,  situated  between  17°  55'  and  20° 
•*-  North  latitude,  and  between  the  68th  and  75th  degrees  of 
West  longitude  from  the  meridian  of  Greenwich,  is  about  338 
miles  in  length  from  East  to  West,  whilst  its  breadth,  from  North 
to  South,  varies  from  145  miles  to  17;  and  its  circumference, 
without  including  the  bays,  measures  848  miles.  Its  surface, 
exclusive  of  the  adjacent  islands,  is  estimated  at  30,528  square 
miles.  t 

The  Island  is  situated  at  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
in  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  Itself  one  of  the  four  great  Antilles,  it 
holds  the  next  rank  after  Cuba,  which  is  situated  at  a  distance 
of  53  miles  to  the  North-West.  To  the  West  South-West,  is 
situated  Jamaica,  at  a  distance  of  109  miles  ;  and  48  miles 
East  South-East  is  the  Island  of  Porto  Rico.  To  the  North, 
stretch  Turk's  Island  and  other  headlands.  To  the  South, 
Columbia  is  found  at  about  605  miles,  and  at  a  less  distance 
are  situated  the  Windward  Islands.  It  may  be  said,  therefore, 
that,  of  all  the  West  India  Islands,  Hayti  is  the  most  advan 
tageously  situated  with  reference  to  the  intercourse  she  may 
maintain  with  the  surrounding  isles  and  with  Columbia,  besides 


*  Translated  from  "  La  Geographic  cle  1'Isle  d'Haiti,  par  B.  Ardouin:  Tort- 
i  par  T/Bouchereau,  1856."    This  ia  the  Volume  in  use  in 
the  schools  ofthe  KepuhJic. 


au-l'i  ince,  reimprim/-e  pai 


t  That  is  to  say :  Hayti  is  about  the  size  of  Ireland. — ED. 
3 


26  Geography  of  Hayti. 

winch,  her  communications  with  Europe  and  the  United  States 
only  enhance  this  geographical  position. 

The  adjacent  islands  belonging  to  Hayti  are  Conave, 
Cai'mites,  Ile-a-Vaches,  Beate,  Alta  Vela,  Saone,  St.  Catha 
rine,  Mona,  Monica,  and  La  Tortue  or  Tortuga.  We  shall 
treat  of  each  separately. 

Hayti  presents  the  appearance  of  a  vast  territory  composed  of 
mountains  and  plains. 

"  From  the  conformation  of  the  surface  of  the  Island,"  says 
M.  de  St.  Mery,  "which  alternates  in  mountains  and  plains, 
arises  a  great  variation  in  its  climate  and  temperature.  This  is 
specially  produced  by  the  situation  of  the  Island  in  the  region 
of  the  trade  winds,  since  the  prevailing  East  wind,  to  the 
influence  of  which  St.  Domingo  offers  the  whole  of  its  length, 
makes  for  itself  between  the  mountain  chains  many  currents 
of  air  which  refresh  and  temper  these  same  mountains,  —  an 
advantage  of  which  the  plains  do  not  partake,  inasmuch  as  the 
mountains  sometimes  arrest  the  course  of  the  wind,  or  change 
its  direction.  Moreover,  a  host  of  local  circumstances,  such  as 
the  elevation  of  the  land,  the  quantity,  more  or  less  consider 
able,  of  water  which  irrigates  the  plains,  the  scarcity  or  abund 
ance  of  forests,  have  a  sensible  influence  on  the  character  of  the 
climate. 

"  If  a  powerful  cause  did  not  counterbalance  the  action  of  a 
scorching  sun  under  the  torrid  zone,  a  sun  which  darts  down  its 
rays  almost  perpendicularly,  during  about  three  months  of  the 
year,  upon  St.  Domingo,  the  temperature  of  this  Island  would 
be  insupportable  for  man,  or  at  least  for  such  as  were  not 
designed  by  nature  expressly  as  inhabitants  of  this  climate. 
But  this  cause  does  exist  in  the  wind  of  which  we  have  just 
spoken,  and  whose  salutary  effects  weaken  those  of  the  sun. 

' '  To  the  protecting  influence  of  the  wind  must  be  added  the 
nearly  equal  length  of  the  days  and  nights,  and  the  abundant 
rains  which  produce  constantly  in  the  air  a  humidity  at  all  times 
desirable,  and  which,  bathing  profusely  the  surface  of  the 


Geography  of  Hayti.  27 

Island,  occasion,  through  the  evaporation  caused  by  the  heat 
itself,  a  kind  of  cooling  effect.  ^, 

"  Thus,  by  an  immutable  order,  the  •  contemplation  of  which 
enraptures  the  philosopher,  nature  has  ordained  that  everything 
should  aid  in  maintaining  a  sort  of  equilibrium  in  the  climate  of 
St.  Doming'). 

"  The  two  seasons  (summer  and  winter)  are  more  marked 
in  the  mountains  than  in  the  plains,  and  in  general  the  atmos 
pheric  changes  are  more  frequent  in  the  former.  Here  it  is 
that  the  temperature  is  mildest,  and  here  are  never  felt  cither 
the  sultry  heat  or  those  winds  which,  when  they  become  violent, 
are  more  apt  to  dry  the  air  than  to  refresh  and  renew  it. 

"  In  fact,  residence  in  the  mountains  is  more  pleasant  than 
in  the  plains.  Country  life  seems  here  to  have  a  more  simple 
character,  and  to  be  more  independent  of  all  those  restraints 
which  etiquette  imposes  as  a  law  upon  the  towns,  and  even 
upon  the  neighboring  country.  It  is  seldom  that  the  thermome 
ter  rises  above  18  or  20  degrees,*  Whilst  in  the  plains  it  reaches 
the  mean  rate  of  the  towns,  and  consequently  marks  as  high  as 
80  degrees. t  The  nights  here  are  sometimes  so  cool  that  the 
use  of  a  blanket  is  almost  a  necessity.  There  are  even  some 
mountains  in  St.  Domingo  where,  at  certain  seasons,  fire  is  a 
real  enjoyment  in  the  evening.  This  is  not  on  account  of  any 
extreme  cold,  since  the  thermometer  never  sinks  lower  than 
about  12  or  14  degrees;  j  but  the  contrast  of  this  temperature  to 
that  of  the  day  is  so  acutely  felt  that  the  words  cold  and  heat 
are  not  to  be  understood  in  the  same  sense  as  in  a  cokUelimate." 

Like  the  ether  West  India  Islands,  Hayti  is  subject  to  the 
tempests  which  happen  so  often  in  this  part  of  America,  and 
which  still  bear  the  name  given  to  them  by  the  Indians.  But 
it  is  the  South  part  of  the  Island,  including  the  country  lying 
between  Cape  England  and  Iron  Point,  which  suffers  more 

*  Reaumur,  equal  to  72i  or  77  degrees,  Fahrenheit. 

t  Equal  to  99}  decrees,  Fahrenheit. 

t  Equal  to  59  or  63i  degrees,  Fahrenheit. 


28  Geography  of  Hayti. 

frequently  than  any  other  place  from  this  destructive  scourge. 
Nevcrth^ss,  M.  de  St.  Mery  has  said,  upon  this  subject: 
"-The  man  who  refers  everything  to  himself,  and  who  is 
exposed  to  the  numberless  evils  which  hurricanes  may  occasion, 
cannot  easily  discern  their  utility.  But  the  philosopher,  whom 
observation  has  convinced  of  the  admirable  order  that  governs 
the  universe,  takes  for  granted  that  they  are  useful,  though  he 
may  not  understand  how,  and  rather  than  blaspheme  against  a 
cause  so  disastrous  in  appearance,  he  is  willing  to  believe  that 
these  extraordinary  movements  of  nature  are  necessary  crises, 
in  harmony  with  the  principles  whose  workings  secure  the  pre 
servation  of  the  globe,  and  that  without  them,  perhaps,  the 
Antilles  would  have  been  uninhabitable,  on  account  of  the 
incredible  number  of  insects  which  cover  the  earth  or  flutter  in 
the  air." 

"Whatever  may  be  the  dangers  of  hurricanes,  they  cannot  be 
compared  in  this  respect  to  the  earthquake.  This  dreadful 
phenomenon  destroyed,  in  1564,  the  town  of  Conception  de  la 
Vega,  and  has  been  felt  more  recently  at  Port-au-Prince,  which 
was  overthrown  in  1770.  Since  this  last  epoch,  shocks  have 
taken  place  every  year,  but  with  much  less  intenseness.  They 
are  generally  preceded  by  a  deep  noise,  called  in  Hayti  goufre, 
which  is  often  heard  without  the  shock  being  felt,  and  which  is 
produced  by  a  cause  unknown  as  yet,  but  which  appears  to 
exist  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  lakes  of  Xaragua  and  Azuei, 
between  Neybe  and  Port-au-Prince. 
MOUNTAINS. 

Several  of  these  reach  to  a  considerable  elevation  above  the 
level  of  the  sea.  The  principal  range  is  that  of  Oibao,  which 
forms  a  considerable  group,  almost  in  the  centre  of  the  Island, 
and  from  which  diverge  several  chains  in  different  directions. 
It  rises  to  at  least  7,673  feet  perpendicular  height,  and  is 
situated  in  the  department  of  the  North-East. 

The  Sttte,  the  Mcxique,  and  the  Bahoruco  or  Mantel  form 
the  same  chain  which,  after  stretching  from  West  to  East, 


Geography  of  Hayti.  29 

terminates  in  the  South  at  the  Point  of  Beate.  The  Selle,  rising 
to  the  same  height  as  the  range  of  the  Cibao,  is  situated  about 
South  East  from  Port-au-Prince,  in  the  department  of  the  West. 

The  Hotte  comprises  the  chain  which  commences  at  the 
Platons,  in  the  arrondissement  of  C ayes,  crosses  that  of  Grando 
Ansc  in  the  direction  of  East  and  West,  and  ends  at  Cap-a 
Foux,  near  Tiburon.  Its  height  is  also  7,673  English  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

The  Monte  Christi  forms  a  chain  "which  commences  at 
Grange  Point  and  ends  at  the  Peninsula  of  Samana. 

The  mountains  Noire  and  of  Cahos  begin  near  Marmelade, 
and  terminate  in  the  arrondissement  of  St.  Jean. 

Los  Muertos  form  the  chain  which  terminates  at  Cape 
Engaiio,  in  the  department  of  the  South-East. 

These  last-named  mountains,  together  with  others  less  con 
siderable,  rise  to  an  average  height  of  about  2,400  feet. 

"The  number  of  mountains,"  says  M.  de  St.  Mery,  "and 
their  height,  notwithstanding  the  vast  extent  of  the  several 
plains,  give  to  the  Island,  when  seen  at  a  distance,  a  moun 
tainous  appearance,  and  is  the  reason  why  it  is  far  from  giving 
the  favorable  opinion  it  deserves.  But  the  observer  who  con 
templates  the  mountain  chains  with  all  their  branches,  which 
stretch  their  sinuous  ramifications  over  the  entire  surface  of  the 
Island,  sees  in  this  the  cause  of  its  fertility,  —  the  immense 
reservoir  where  are  accumulated  the  waters  which  numberless 
rivers  afterwards  distribute  on  all  sides  ;  a  means  destined  by 
nature  to  temper  the  effects  of  a  burning  sun,  to  arrest  the  fury 
of  the  winds,  to  vary  the  temperature,  and  even  to  multiply  the 
resources  and  combinations  of  human  industry ;  in  short,  the 
soil  destined  to  bear  for  centuries  the  bounteous  forests  which, 
since  the  creation,  perhaps,  received  the  fertilizing  waters  which 
the  clouds  secrete  within  their  bosom,  and  which,  by  their  pro 
tective  position,  are  saved  from  the  touch  of  man,  whose  genius 
is  not  always  conservative." 


* 

30  Geography  of  Hayti. 

To  these  philosophic  considerations,  we  may  add  the  equally 
important  observation  which  is  naturally  impressed  upon  the 
mind  on  viewing  the  mountains  of  Hayti,  that  these  wild  soli 
tudes  have  been,  and  will  ever  be,  the  bulwarks  of  liberty  and 
national  independence. 

PLAINS. 

The  most  extensive  plain  in  the  Island,  according  to  the 
same  author,  is  that  of  Veya  Heal,  situated  in  the  depart 
ment  of  the  North-East.  It  extends  over  the  arrondissements 
of  Vega,  San  Yago,  and  Monte  Christo.  Its  length  is  about 
194  miles.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  fertility,  and  is  watered  by 
numerous  rivers.  Its  principal  production  consists  in  tobacco, 
which  is  of  excellent  quality.  Sugarcanes,  cocoa,  etc. ,  are  cul 
tivated,  and  cattle  are  raised  there,  but  its  small  population, 
scattered  over  so  vast  an  extent  of  territory,  is  able  to  draw 
from  this  fruitful  land  only  a  small  portion  of  these  valued 
products.  The  river  Grand  Taque,  which  discharges  itself 
into  the  bays  of  Monte  Christi,  Mancenilla,  and  the  Youna, 
which  empties  itself  into  the  beautiful  bay  of  Samana,  will 
greatly  facilitate  the  raising  of  these  products,  and  will  give  to 
this  superb  plain  a  real  importance  when  it  possesses  a  larger 
and  more  active  population. 

From  the  left  hand  of  the  Ozama  to  the  Cape  Engaiio,  there 
stretches  an  extent  of  land  about  145  miles  long,  measuring 
4096  square  miles,  of  which  more  than  3, 500  are  plains;  this  is 
also  watered  by  several  rivers.  The  produce  raised  comprises 
sugar,  coffee,  tobacco,  mahogany,  horned  cattle,  and  other 
animals.  Its  soil  is  very  fertile. 

The  plain  of  Azua,  which  includes  the  space  between  the 
river  Neybe  and  the  bay  of  Caldera,  covers  a  surface  of  879 
square  miles.  It  has  a  soil  of  astonishing  fertility,  notwith 
standing  the  drought  which  usually  prevails.  Here  very  fine 
sugar  is  made,  and  the  rearing  of  cattle  and  the  cutting  of 
mahogany  form  also  branches  of  industry,  as  throughout  the 
whole  of  the  Eastern  part  of  the  Island, 


Geography  of   Hayti. 


The  plain  of  Neybe  measures  4G9  square  miles,  and  yields 
the  same  kind  of  produce  as  that  of  Azua. 

The  lowlands,  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  Jlahoruco,  to  the 
East  and  West,  comprise  an  extent  of  surface  measuring  820 
square  miles.  They  would  offer  the  same  advantages  if 
cultivated. 

The  plains  of  St.  Jean,  of  Banica,  and  of  ffinche,  called 
the  valleys  of  St.  Thomas  and  Goave,  cover  a  surface  of  1172 
square  miles.  The  cattle  raised  in  these  rich  pasture  lands 
form  the  principal  branch  of  industry  for  the  inhabitants  of 
these  parts,  who  have  much  increased  since  1822.  All  the 
other  products  of  the  country  are  also  easily  obtained. 

The  plains  of  the  North,  starting  from  the  river  of  Massacre 
as  far  as  the  limits  of  Port  Margot,  may  be  estimated  as  covering, 
all  together,  a  superficies  of  1055  square  miles.  The  sugar 
cane  is  here  advantageously  cultivated. 

The  plain  of  Cul  de  Sac,  near  Port-au-Prince,  measures  20 
miles  from  East  to  West,  while  its  breadth,  from  North  to 
South,  varies  from  6  miles  to  10.  It  was  not  until  1724 
that  the  sugarcane  was  here  planted.  The  usual  aridity  of  this 
plain  forced  the  inhabitants  to  resort  to  the  irrigation  of  this 
precious  plant  in  1730  ;  and  the  effects  of  this  powerful  natural 
agent  were  such  that  before  the  Revolution,  about  fifty  million 
pounds  of  this  article  were  produced.  This  immense  result  is 
no  longer  obtained. 

The  plain  of  Gona'ives  may  be  estimated  at  141  square 
miles  in  extent.  It  yields  principally  a  cotton  which  is  highly 
valued. 

That  of  the  Artibonite,  which  is  watered  by  the  river  of  this 
name,  and  by  many  other  smaller  ones,  appears  to  have  been 
formed  by  deposits  from  these  rivers,  since,  at  a  depth  of  80 
feet,  there  have  been  found  different  beds,  in  which  have  been 
discovered  leaves  and  branches  of  trees.  Sugar  and  cotton  are 
grown  here.  Its  surface  is  supposed  to  cover  about  2G3  square 
miles. 


32  Geography  of  Hayti. 

That  of  Arcahaie,  situated  like  an  amphitheatre  along  the 
seaboard,  extends  about  12  miles  from  East  to  West,  by  about 
1800  feet  in  its  greatest  breadth,  from  North  to  South.  The 
sugar  here  produced  is  of  excellent  quality,  though  the 
quantity  is  small. 

The  plain  of  Leogane  measures  about  17  miles  in  its  great 
est  length  from  East  to  West,  and  scarcely  7  miles  in  breadth 
from  North  to  South.  It  yields  sugar  of  great  beauty. 

Finally,  that  of  Cayes  offers  a  surface  of  about  117  square 
miles.  Here,  as  in  the  plain  of  Cul  de  Sac,  the  different 
streams  are  usefully  employed  in  watering  the  sugarcane, — 
a  production  which  offers  such  considerable  reward  to  the 
laborious  workmen. 

RIVERS. 

Few  countries  are  as  well  watered  as  Hayti.  This  advan 
tage  is  owing,  as  we  have  already  seen,  to  the  mountains 
which  feed  the  numerous  rivers  that  nature  has  spread  over 
all  this  fortunate  Island.  But  the  departments  of  the  East 
are  much  more  favored,  in  this  respect,  than  the  others,  and 
other  rivers  are  also  much  more  considerable. 

The  longest  river  is  the  Artibonite,  which  the  Indians  called 
Haiibonico.  Its  entire  length  is  145  miles.  It  flows  in  a 
straight  line  from  the  Cibao,  where  it  rises.  Before  it  reaches 
this  sea,  its  volume  is  increased  by  a  multitude  of  other 
rivers,  such  as  the  Guayamuco,  the  Rio  Canas,  the  Fcr-a- 
C/teval,  etc.  It  frequently  inundates  the  plain  which  bears 
its  name,  and  by  this  means  produces  the  same  effect  as  the 
Nile  in  Egypt. 

The  other  principal  rivers  are  the  Tuna  and  the  great 
Yaque,  in  the  department  of  the  North-East ;  the  Ozama,  the 
Isabela,  the  Macoris,  the  Soco,  the  Quiabon,  the  ltomana} 
the  Jayna,  the  little  Taque,  and  the  N<yla,  in  the  depart 
ment  of  tty)  South-East;  the  rivers  of  Cayes,  Cavaillon, 
Jtiremie,  and  Nippes,  in  the  department  of  the  South ;  those 
of  Jacmel,  Leogane,  and  Cul  de  Sac,  in  the  department  of 


Geography  of  Hayti.  33 

the  West;  and  the  Massacre,  the   Grande  Riviere,  and  the 
TroiS'Hivieres,  in  the  department  of  the  North. 

MINERAL   WATERS. 

The  number  of  mineral  springs  which  exist  over  all  the 
surface  of  Hayti  is  another  of  its  many  riches. 

The  principal  one  is  that  of  Port-a-Piment,  in  the  department 
of  the  Artibonite,  formerly  called  Eaux  de  Boynes,  (waters  of 
Boynes,)  but  which  at  present  might  be  more  properly  styled 
Eaux  de  Capoix,  (waters  of  Capoix,)  in  order  to  make 
amends  for  the  injustice  committed  towards  the^r  discoverer,  — 
an  injustice  against  which  M.  de  St.  Mery  has  so  loudly 
exclaimed,  attributing  to  flattery  the  denomination  these  waters 
obtained.  Before  the  Revolution,  considerable  establishments 
were  here  made,  but  they  do  not  now  exist.  It  would  be 
highly  desirable  to  see  them  again  established,  and  under  the 
direction  of  a  skilful  physician,  who  might  superintend  the 
treatment  of  the  sick  persons  who  have  often  recourse  to  these 
springs.  Many  diseases  which  the  faculty  have  pronounced 
incurable,  have  here  met  with  a  complete  cure.  Seven  springs 
are  here  grouped  together  in  the  same  spot. 

The  same  properties  have  been  discovered  in  the  springs  of 
Banica,  situated  five  miles  distant  from  the  town,  and  in  the 
same  department.  There  are  four  in  this  place,  which  is 
equally  deprived  of  suitable  establishments. 

Other  minor  springs  exist  in  the  communes  of  Dalmarie, 
Irois,  Tiburon,  Jacmel,  Mirebalais,  etc. 
LAKES. 

The  largest  is  the  Etang  Sale,  (salt  lake,)  called,  also, 
the  lake  of  Xaragua  and  Henriquille,  because  the  Cacique 
Henri,  with  his  followers,  took  refuge  here  upon  a  small  island 
situated  in  the  centre  of  the  lake,  and  measuring  5  miles  in 
length  by  2J  in  breadth.  This  Island  is  peopled  with  wild 
goats.  The  Etang  Sale,  situated  in  the  department  of  the 
West,  is  about  22  miles  long  and  8J  broad  ;  and  is  about  53 
miles  in  circumference.  It  is  deep,  and  swarms  with  alliga- 


34-  .  Geography  of  Hayti. 

tors.    The  water  is  clear,  but  bitter  salt,  and  has  a  disagreeable 
odor,  and  ebbs  and  flows  like  the  sea. 

About  five  miles  North-West  from  this  lake  is  found 
another,  running  in  the  same  direction,  but  measuring  only  12 
miles  long,  and  in  breadth,  varying  from  2J  to  7  miles.  It 
is  called  the  Etang  Saumatre,  on  account  of  the  acrid  taste  of 
its  waters,  or  Laguna  de  Azuei.  This  lake  also  has  its  tides. 

To  the  South  of  the  Etang  Sale,  at  2J  miles'  distance, 
lies  {hQ  Etang  Doux,  (sweet  lake,)  named  also  Laguna  Icotea, 
(the  lake  of  turtles,)  which  is  nearly  5  miles  long  by  1£ 
miles  broad.  This  lake  has  no  communication  with  the 
otifccr  two,  and  its  extent  depends  upon  the  rains  and  the  floods 
which  maintain  it.  It  abounds  in  turtle,  good  fish,  and  sea- 
fowl. 

The  lake  of  Miragoane,  in  the  department  of  the  South,  is  7 
miles  long  by  12,000  feet  broad.  Its  circuit,  counting 
the  indentations,  is  supposed  to  measure  17  miles.  Its  depth 
averages  180  feet.  Its  waters  flow  into  the  sea  at  the  ^.cul 
du  Carenage,  near  the  town  of  Miragoane,  and  are  used  by  the 
inhabitants.  This  lake  is  crossed  by  a  wooden  bridge,  with 
stone  abutments,  on  the  road  from  Petit-Goave  to  Miragoane. 
The  intention  was  formerly  entertained  of  constructing  a  canal 
between  the  Acul  du  Petit- Goave  and  this  lake  for  the 
transport  of  provisions  a*d  produce. 

The  project  was  also  formed  of  digging  a  canal  between  the 
Etang  Saumatre  and  the  embarcadere  du  fosse,  near  the  town 
of  Port-au-Prince.  This  canal  would  thus  have  traversed  the 
plain  of  Cul  de  Sac  in  all  its  length,  and  would  have  served  tj 
convey  the  immense  quantity  of  sugar  here  made.  In  1822, 
government  caused  to  be  built  upon  this  lake,  and  upon  the 
EtaBg  Sale,  a  barge  and  lights,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  com 
munications  of  the  capital  with  the  department  of  the  South- 
East,  and  to  spare  travellers  a  painful  journey  by  a  road  cut 
through  the  rocks  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Etang  Saumatre. 
But  the  force  of  habit  prevents  people  profiting  by  these 


Geography  of  'Hayti.  35 

facilities.  It  is  truo  that  the  service  of  these  boats  is  much 
neglected  "by  the  sailors  appointed  to  them,  and  that  a  great 
and  often  insurmountable  difficulty  prevails  almost  always  in 
these  lakes  ;  this  is  the  violence  with  which  the  East  and  West 
winds  blow  between  the  mountains  that  surround  the  lakes. 

This  difficulty  might  be  removed  by  the  establishment  of 
steamboats,  which  would  possess  the  twofold  advantage  of 
facilitating  intercourse  and  of  helping  in  the  conveyance 
of  cattle  from  Neybe  and  Azua  to  the  plain  of  the  Cul-de- 
Sac.  But  these  ameliorations  can  only  be  the  work  of  time ; 
they  will  no  doubt  come  with  the  increase  of  the  population, 
which  serves  in  all  countries  to  develop  industry. 

BAYS. 

The  largest  and  the  most  beautiful  bay  of  Hayti  is  that 
of  Samana.  It  is  situated  between  capes  Samana  and 
Raphael.  Christopher  Columbus  called  it  Baie  dcs  Fleches,  (bay 
of  arrows,)  because  he  found  on  its  shores  large  numbers  of 
Indians  armed  with  arrows.  The  distance  between  its  two 
extreme  capes  is  17  miles.  It  has  an  average  breadth  of  12 
miles,  and  is  about  50  miles  in  depth.  The  most  powerful 
squadrons  could  find  in  it  a  sure  asylum ;  but  the  channel  by 
which  it  is  entered  is  difficult  and  narrow.  A  vessel  must 
pass  under  the  cannon  of  the  fort  Cacao,  built  since  1822. 
The  extent  of  this  magnificent  bay,  its  position  on  the  windward 
side  of  the  Island,  together  with  the  immense  quantity  of  wood 
found  in  the  peninsula,  fit  for  naval  purposes,  and  the  mines 
of  iron  and  copper  concealed  within  its  bosom,  —  all  these 
advantages  tend  to  make  the  point  the  most  important  of  all  in  a 
maritime  point  of  view.  Whale-fishery  might  here  be  carried  on. 

The  other  bays,  whose  importance  and  extent  differ  more  or 
less,  are  those  of  Mole  St.  Nicolas,  Ocoa,  Higucy,  Neybe ? 
Jacmel,  Bainct,  Flamands,  Metle,  St.  Louis,  Ca'imitcs, 
Baradercs,  Miragoane,  Petit- Goave,  Port-au-Prince,  St. 
Marc,Gona'ives,  Henne,  Acul  duNord,  Caracol,  Fort  Liberte, 
Mancenille,  Monte  Christi,  and  the  Baie  Ecossaise. 


36  Geography  of  Hayti. 

CAPES. 

The  coasts  of  the  Island  present  the  following  promontories, 
namely  : 

The  former  Cape  Francois,  Cape  Cabron,  Cape  Samana,  in 
the  department  of  the  North-East ;  the  capes  Raphael,  Engauo, 
Espada,  in  the  department  of  the  South-East ;  the  Faux  Cape, 
Capes  Mongon,  Jacmel,  Bainet,  and  St.  Marc,  in  the  depart 
ment  of  the  West;  Cape  Tiburon,  Cap-a-Foux,  and  Cape 
Dalmarie,  in  the  department  of  the  South;  and  Cap-a-Foux  and 
Cape  St.  Nicolas  in  the  department  of  the  Artibonite. 

PENINSULAS. 

Hayti  contains  three  :  that  of  Samana,  which  is  the  most 
important  ;  that  of  Mole  St.  Nicolas,  and  that  of  Bara- 
deres.  The  first  is  36  miles  long  from  East  to  West,  with  a 
breadth  which  varies  from  12  miles  to  5.  It  is  covered 
almost  entirely  with  mountains,  and  is  watered  by  more  than 
twenty  rivers.  The  second  extends,  in  a  straight  line,  a  dis 
tance  of  19,200  feet  by  7,800  in  breadth.  That  of  Bara- 
deres,  called  more  frequently  J3cc  du  ]\Iarsouin,  is  5  miles 
long  South- West  and  North-East,  by  a  breadth  which  varies 
from  2,250  to  9,000  feet.  It  abounds  in  fine  wood,  suitable 
for  building,  and,  at  the  commencement  of  the  year,  fishermen 
here  assemble  for  the  great  fisheries,  which  supply  salted  fish 
for  home  consumption,  similar  to  that  found  on  the  shores  of 
Gonave.  The  Bee  du  Marsouin  is  18°  33'  49"  latitude 
North,  and  73°  35'  5"  longitude  West,  at  the  eastern  point. 

ADJACENT    ISLANDS. 

Gonave.  This  Island,  situated  at  the  entrance  of  the 
small  gulf  which  fills  up  the  space  between  Cape  St. 
Nicolas  and  Cape  Dalmarie,  is  35  miles  in  length,  and 
8}  in  its  greatest  breadth.  It  is  the  largest  of  all  the  islands 
which  border  on  Hayti  and  are  under  its  dependence.  There 
is  at  the  centre  of  the  Gonave  a  lake  of  considerable  size, 
and  the  springs  found  here  appear  to  be  infiltrations.  The 
air  is  healthy.  It  contains  wood  fit  for  building  purposes. 


Geography  of  Hayti.  37 

At  the  time  of  the  murder  of  tke  court  of  the  Queen 
Anacoana,  many  Indians  took  refuge  here.  They  named  it 
Gnanabo  or  Guanavaux,  which  has  been  corrupted  to  Gonave. 
The  eastern  point  of  this  Island  is  18°  42'  30"  North  latitude, 
and  72°  53'  11"  West  longitude  ;  the  western  point,  18°  52' 
40"  latitude,  and  73°  24'  11"  longitude. 

La  Tortue,  [  Tortuga,~]  situated  at  a  short  distance  from  the 
Northern  coast,  opposite  Port  do  Paix,  is  22  miles  long  and 
18,000  feet  in  average  breadth.  Its  superficies  is  of  11,734 
carreaux,  (3  acres  make  a  carreau.)  This  is  the  spot  where 
the  Buccaneers  first  settled  in  1G30  ;  and  in  1694,  it  was 
abandoned  for  the  establishments  which  had  been  made  on  the 
main  land.  This  Island  also  abounds  in  very  fine  timber ;  here 
is  found  a  kind  of  red  crab,  highly  prized  by  amateurs,  who  do 
not  appear  to  dread  its  effects,  although  the  manchineel  tree  is 
known  to  grow  at  La  Tortue.  The  centre  of  this  Island  is  in 
latitude  20°  4'. 

La  Saone.  This  Island,  situated  to  the  windward  of  Santo 
Domingo,  quite  near  the  Bay  of  Higuey,  is  about  19  miles 
long  from  East  to  West,  and  5  broad  from  North  to  South,  and 
nearly  62  miles  in  circumference.  It  is  very  fertile  ;  the  In 
dians  called  it  Adamanoy.  A  cacique  lived  here,  who  was 
sovereign  of  the  Island,  and  independent  of  those  wno  reigned 
in  Hayti.  The  Spaniards  had  this  cacique  devoured  by  a  dog ; 
this  atrocious  act  brought  on  a  war  between  them  and  the  In 
dians,  in  which  the  latter  were  all  sacrificed.  After  the  perpe 
tration  of  these  cruelties,  sugarcane  was  grown  there  by  the 
Africans,  whom  the  Spaniards  hkd  introduced ;  but  from  a 
remote  period,  it  has  not  been  inhabited. 

St.  Catharine.  This  Island,  so  called  after  the  name  of  its 
proprietor,  (a  lady,)  is  situated  to  the  leeward  of  the  Saone, 
opposite  the  River  Romana.  Its  extent  is  small,  but  it  is 
covered  with  abundance  of  game  ;  it  was  formerly  cultivated. 

La  Beate  is  situated  at  a  distance  of  about  18,000  feet  to 


38  Geography  of  Hayti. 

the  S.  TV.  of  the  point  of  Beate  or  Bahoruco.  It  is  6  miles 
in  length  from  East  to  West,  and  scarcely  5  miles  in  average 
breadth.  Formerly  it  contained  plantations  and  cattle  pens  ;  it 
abounds  in  game.  Christopher  Columbus  landed  here  in  1504. 
A  few  years  ago  it  was  used  as  a  place  of  refuge  by  the  pirates 
who  infested  that  Caribbean  Sea.  Its  centre  is  in  latitude  17° 
51'  and  longitude  71°  40'  38". 

Alta-  Vela,  thus  named  by  Columbus  in  1494,  is  5  miles 
S.  S.  TV.  of  La  Beate.  It  is  90,000  feet  in  its  greatest 
length,  and  as  much  in  its  broadest  part.  It  contains  excellent 
timber. 

L'ile-a~Vaches.  This  Island  is  situated  about  7  miles 
S.  S.  E.  of  the  town  of  Cayes,  and  measures  10  miles  in 
length,  and  rather  more  than  2J  in  breadth.  It  derives  its 
name,  which  it  received  from  the  Buccaneers,  from  the  large 
number  of  cows  found  there.  It  has  often  been  used  by  pirates 
as  a  harbor  of  refuge.  The  East  Point  is  18°  3'  latitude,  and 
73°  29'  58"  longitude,  and  the  Northwesterly  Point  18°  6? 
10"  latitude,  and  73°  47'  43"  longitude. 

The  Ca'imites.  These  are  small  islands,  the  largest  of 
which  covers  a  surface  of  about  two  square  leagues ;  they  are 
situated  to  the  N.  TV.  of  the  Peninsula  of  Baraderes,  opposite 
Corail  and  Pestel.  They  yield  very  fine  timber. 

Mona  and  Monica  are  two  small  islands,  situated  to  the  East 
of  Saone,  between  Hayti  and  Porto  Rico.  Mona  is  fully  two 
leagues  from  East  to  TVest,  and  rather  more  from  North  to 
South.  It  has  two  harbors  capable  of  holding  moderate-sized  ves 
sels,  and  everything  necessary  to  cultivation  and  cattle  rearing. 
In  1512  it  was  given  to  Bartholomew  Columbus  by  the  king  of 
Spain.  It  was  then  highly  cultivated  and  yielded  a  large 
revenue  to  its  proprietors.  But  it  appears  to  have  been  de 
serted  long  ago. 

Monica  is  smaller  than  the  preceding  island. 

Navazo,  a  small  guano  island,  situated  between  Hayti  and 
Jamaica,  is  the  only  other  dependency. 


III. 

Slje  Animal    i\iiujiram. 


HAYTI,  when  discovered,  contained  very  few  animals,  and 
of  these  one  species  only  remains,  the  agouti,  a  rare  and 
inoffensive  creature  about  the  size  of  a  rabbit. 

DOMESTIC    ANIMALS. 

All  of  our  domestic  animals  are  abundant.  The  horses  are 
small,  but  of  great  enchirance  ;  resembling,  in  both  of  these 
respects,  our  Indian  ponies.  They  are  never  shod.  They  are 
of  the  Andalusian  breed,  spirited,  swift,  require  little  care,  and 
have  a  fine  gait.  Those  belonging  to  the  lower  class  are  lean, 
shaggy,  and  never  groomed.  From  $700  to  $1,000,  Haytian, 
is  the  average  price  for  a  good  horse  in  the  country  ;  but  in 
the  towns  they  ask  much  higher  ;  sometimes,  but  rarely,  very 
fine  horses  sell  at  from  $4,000  to  $5,000.  Emigrants  should 
bring  out  their  own  harness,  as  the  Ilaytians  generally  use 
ropes  only,  made  out  of  the  bark  of  the  cocoa-tree  and  other 
vegetables  substances.  If  the  emigrant  buys  saddles,  he  should 
remember  that  they  must  be  fit  for  ponies,  —  not  large  horses. 
Asses  and  mules,  which  are  the  chief  carriers  in  the  country,  are 
very  common  and  cheap.  Asses,  from  $100  to  $400,  Haytian; 
mules  from  $500  to  $2,000,  Haytian.  Hogs  are  lean,  and 
active  ;  their  flesh  is  said  to  be  good  ;  it  is  never  cured,  but 
sometimes  dried  in  the  sun  ;  the  race  requires  to  be  crossed  with 
fatter  breeds.  Wild  hogs  abound  in  certain  districts.  Oxen, 
also,  arc  small,  and  lean  ;  they  are  much  used  in  the  interior 


40  The    Animal    Kingdom. 

for  drawing ;  their  flesh,  in  consequence  of  poor  feed  and  bad 
slaughtering,  is  often  dry  and  tough,  as  compared  with  Ameri 
can  beef.  Emigrants  should  bring  yokes  with  them ;  as  the 
"habitans"  of  Hayti  use  ropes,  tied  to  the  horns  or  to  a 
siralght  stick,  —  the  usual  method  of  the  West  Indies,  —  which 
requires  ten  oxen  to  do  what  one  could  easily  perform.  The 
cows  give  good  milk ;  but  very  little  cheese  and  butter  is  made. 
These  are  imported  from  the  States.  Emigrants  should  stop  this 
trade  by  bringing  churns  with  them.  Calves  are  rarely  killed. 
It  requires  an  order  from  the  police  officers  to  kill  beef-cattle, 
sheep,  or  hogs.  This  law  prevents  theft.  Sheep  nourish,  and 
their  flesh  is  delicious  when  properly  slaughtered.  They  are 
never  sheared,  although  their  wool,  when  they  are  young,  is  of 
fine  quality.  In  consequence  of  this  negligence  a  lucrative 
commerce  is  lost ;  the  creature  suffers ;  and  the  fine  wool  gives 
place  to  a  long,  coarse  hair,  as  soon  as  the  animal  attains  its  full 
growth.  Goats  prosper,  and  their  milk  is  generally  used,  and 
their  flesh  eaten.  At  Furcy,*  about  20  miles  from  Port-au- 
Prince, —  where  there  are  forests  of  pine  trees  and  other  woods 
and  vegetables  of  the  temperate  zones,  —  a  friend  of  the  editor 
recently  purchased  a  goat  for  a  Spanish  dollar.  Dogs  and  cats 
would  socn  become  extinct,  if  not  kept  up  by  the  introduction 
of  foreign  breeds.  Rats  and  mice  are  found  ;  hares  and  rab 
bits  are  rare.  It  is  probable  that  emigrants  might  profitably 
introduce  various  breeds  of  the  different  domestic  animals  with 
advantage  to  themselves  and  the  country. 

BIRDS. 

All  kinds  of  poultry  known  in  the  States  are  common  in 
Hayti ;  the  flesh  of  the  turkey  is  particularly  delicious.  As 
it  costs  nothing  in  the  country  to  keep  poultry,  and  as  they 
nvi  only  do  not  injure  any  of  the  staples,  but  destroy  the  mis 
chievous  cockroach  and  other  obnoxious  insects,  it  would  be 

*  At  this  place  the  Government  have  established  a  model  farm.  The  ther 
mometer  there  ranges  thus,  58°  (Fahrenheit)  at  early  morning;  78°  noon;  61°  in 
the  evening,  ju  the  hot  months  of  July  and  August. 


The    Animal    Kingdom.  41 

well  for  the  emigrant  to  establish,  a  poultry  yard  at  once.  Birds 
are  numerous,  but  singers  are  rare.  Among  the  more  common 
of  the  feathered  creation  in  Hayti,  are  green  parrots,  parroquets, 
nightingales,  mocking-birds,  humming-birds,  tropic-birds,  musi 
cians,  swallows,  turtle  doves,  woodpeckers,  pelicans,  king 
fishers,  flamingoes,  cardinals,  partridges,  wild  geese,  wild 
pigeons,  wild  ducks,  ortolans,  boobies,  snipes,  man-of-war  birds, 
crab-eaters,  bullfinches,  aigrets,  gris-yris,  white  owls,  brown 
owls,  collier,  and  hawks. 

FISHES. 

Fish  abound  in  the  rivers  and  lakes  and  along  the  coasts  of 
Hayti.  There  is  a  great  variety  of  excellent  fish  for  con 
sumption.  Sharks  frequent  the  harbors.  Among  the  more 
common  fish  are  mullets,  gray  and  red  sardans,  sardines,  dol 
phins,  carps,  bonitoes,  pikes,  doradoes,  gurnets,  hammer-heads, 
garfish,  porpoises,  brills,  eels,  bull-heads,  sea-cows,  tunny-fish, 
sword-fish,  flying-fish,  sun-fish,  caranque,  vivanneau,  becune, 
cayeux,  barbarin,  tasard,  souffleur,  pisquet,  sea-anemones. 
Common  crabs,  Moorish  crabs,  gallo-crabs,  lobsters,  and 
shrimps  are  plentiful.  Oysters  are  found  in  great  numbers 
along  the  coasts,  clinging  to  the  mango  bushes,  that  grow  in 
large  groves  in  every  part  of  the  sea-shore.  They  are  of  small 
size,  and  are  said  to  be  of  good  flavor.  There  are  various  varieties 
of  shell-fish,  including  conches,  periwinkles,  pearl-oysters,  bur- 
gan,  Iambi,  sea-urchins,  inurex,  helmet-shell,  vis,  ducal,  music, 
soudon,  and  palourde.  There  are  many  reefs  where  coral  of 
exquisite  beauty  may  be  gathered,  as  also  polypi  and  sponges. 
INSECTS. 

Insects  are  plentiful  in  all  tropical  climates,  and  Hayti 
forms  no  exception  to  the  rule.  We  can  notice  a  very  few 
only.  Among  the  poisonous  insects  are  the  scorpion,  centipedes, 
and  three  kind  of  spiders.  The  bite  of  none  of  them  is  mortal, 
or  even  dangerous,  if  the  ordinary  remedy  is  taken  in  due  time. 
The  bite  of  these  insects  causes  inflammation ;  the  remedy  is 

4* 


42  The    Animal    Kingdom. 

alkali,  in  fluid  form,  applied  to  the  wound,  and  five  drops  dis 
solved  in  water  to  be  drunk.  "Wild  bees  are  numerous,  and 
their  wax  and  honey  are  sometimes  exported.  Before  using  the 
honey,  however,  the  emigrants  should  first  learn  from  the  natives 
how  to  distinguish  that  which  is  made  from  the  poisonous  plants. 
There  is  a  great  variety  of  butterflies.  The  fireflies  are  ex 
ceedingly  brilliant.  Cockroaches,  ants,  caterpillars,  grass, 
hoppers,  mosquitoes,  wasps,  locusts,  moths,  sand-flies,  'fleas, 
bugs,  lice,  weevils,  chiques,  and  ticks,  and  other  members  of 
the  same  family,  will  also  be  found  in  every  part  of  the  Island. 
Mosquitoes  are  as  noisy,  but  not  so  annoying  as  their  American 
compatriots.  Cockroaches  and  ants  are  the  greatest  pests  to 
housekeepers ;  they  eat  clothing  and  books  with  an  extraordinary 
gluttony. 

REPTILES. 

Of  the  reptiles,  the  lizard  is  the  most  common ;  there  is  every 
variety  of  them,  but  all  of  them  are  innoxious.  Alligators 
and  caymans  are  occasionally  seen  in  the  rivers.  Frogs  and 
toads  are  numerous.  Turtles  are  counted  by  the  million.  The 
serpent  family  is  rarely  met  with ;  there  are  but  very  few  snakes, 
and  they  are  not  venomous.  The  most  beautiful  of  the  native 
snakes  is  the  magdalena. 


IV. 

tkgctabk  lungbom. 


AN  inhabitant  of  the  temperate  zones  can  hardly  conceive 
how  rich  Hayti  is  in  every  species  of  vegetable  wealth. 
She  has  every  tree  and  fruit  and  flower  of  the  tropics  in  her 
plains  ;  and  there  is  nothing  that  grows  in  the  States  or  in 
Canada,  that  cannot  be  successfully  cultivated  on  her  high 
lands.  Land  alike  of  the  pine  and  the  palm,  of  the  bread-fruit 
and  the  strawberry,  of  the  gigantic  cactus  and  the  lowly  violet, 
for  richness  of  verdure  and  variety  of  vegetable  products,  Hayti 
is  not  excelled  —  perhaps  not  equalled  —  by  any  other  country 
in  the  world.  Folio  volumes  have  been  written  on  her  flora  ; 
but  the  briefest  notes  must  suffice  us  here. 

STAPLES. 

Cotton  grows  with  extraordinary  facility,  requiring  no  cul 
ture  whatever.  It  is  of  a  fine  and  silky  quality.  It  does 
not  grow  on  bushes,  but  trees,  which  produce  two  crops  an 
nually  and  last  several  years.  Its  culture  might  be  made 
exceedingly  profitable,  as  no  country  is  better  adapted  for  its 
growth. 

Coffee  flourishes  on  the  highlands.  The  principal  crop  is 
gathered  in  December  and  January  ;  but  in  May  there  is  a 
second  crop  called  "  grapillage."  If  properly  cultivated,  — 
one  plant  for  every  ten  feet,  or  1,225  bushes  percarreau,  —  reck 
oning  four  pounds  from  each  tree  annually,  (the  minimum 
result,)  every  carreau  would  thus  produce  4,900  pounds  of 


44  The   Vegetable    Kingdom. 

coffee.  This  crop,  sold  at  the  annual  average  rate  of  125 
gourdes  per  100  Ibs.,  would  produce  a  revenue  of  6,125  gourdes, 
or  $471  per  annum.  As  the  Republic  will  give  five  carreaux 
of  land  to  each  family  of  emigrants,  the  revenue  thus  placed 
within  the  reach  of  every  industrious  man,  of  African  descent, 
after  a  residence  of  two  or  three  years,  may  easily  be  estimated 
by  them. 

Sugarcane  is  a  native  of  the  plains,  where  the  traveller  often 
sees,  with  astonishment,  gigantic  specimens  of  it,  varying  from 
18  to  24  feet  in  height.  Mr.  Devimeux,  a  planter  of  Port- 
au-Prince,  three  years  ago,  exhibited  a  cane  five  inches  in 
diameter.  Once  planted,  this  staple  requires  no  further  care, 
excepting  to  be  cut  down  when  it  reaches  maturity.  As  soon 
as  cut,  it  begins  to  sprout  again ;  and  for  at  least  ten  years  no 
replanting  is  necessary.  A  carreau  of  land,  planted  with  cane, 
will  produce,  on  an  average,  9,000  Ibs.  of  raw  sugar. 

Cocoa  grows  in  the  valleys,  on  trees,  and  requires  little  at 
tention.  It  is  a  profitable  and  important  article  of  export. 

Rice,  of  good  quality,  is  cultivated  with  success,  but  hitherto 
on  a  limited  scale. 

Tobacco,  with  similar  advantages  of  production,  is  treated 
with  a  similar  neglect.  Hayti,  in  times  past,  has  produced 
tobacco  equal  in  quality  to  that  of  Cuba;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped 
that  she  will  soon  again  enter  into  competition  with  her  slave- 
holding  neighbor  in  this  culture. 

Indian  corn  grows  everywhere,  and  brings  good  prices  in  the 
markets.  Emigrants  would  do  well  in  introducing  the  seeds  of 
the  finest  varieties. 

Ginger  is  produced  in  great  abundance,  and  might  be  made 
an  important  export. 

Indigo  grows  everywhere  spontaneously,  and  was  largely  ex- 
jjorted  in  the  time  of  the  French.  It  gives  two  crops  a  year. 
No  produce,  for  an  equal  volume,  returns  so  great  a  profit. 
Without  intrenching  on  the  other  staples,  the  Republic  could 
furnish  two  millions  of  dollars'  worth  of  indigo  per  annum. 


The  Vegetable   Kingdom. 


Manioc  is  exceeding  productive  ;  and,  rightly  cultivated, 
would  yield  an  immense  revenue.  It  is  easily  raised,  even  on 
the  mountains,  but  it  flourishes  best  on  the  plains.  Cassava 
bread  is  manufactured  from  its  root  ;  but  a  more  lucrative  use 
of  it  would  be  to  make  starch. 

The  Palmi-Christi,  (from  the  berries  of  which  castor-oil  is 
drawn,)  pepper  and  pimentum,  need  rather  more  care  to  gather 
than  to  plant  ;  for  immense  quantities  are  annually  lost  for  the 
want  of  hands  to  collect  their  products. 

Oranges,  citrons,  mangoes,  bananas,  plantains,  pineapples, 
and  other  fruits  must  suffer  the  same  fate,  until  a  line  of  steam 
ships  is  started  between  the  Republic  and  the  United  States,  — 
a  measure  which  is  in  contemplation  by  the  Government  of 
Ilayti. 

Arrowroot  could  be  cultivated  with  great  profit  and  success  ; 
but  at  present  it  is  almost  entirely  neglected. 

VEGETABLES   AND   FRUITS   FOR   HOME   CONSUMPTION. 

"We  have  said  that  everything  that  grows  in  the  States  and 
the  Canadas  can  be  raised  in  Hayti  ;  but  not  necessarily  in 
every  part  of  it. 

Clover,  cabbages,  and  potatoes,  for  example,  do  not  flourish 
in  the  plains,  although  they  are  abundantly  productive  in  the 
highlands.  The  plains  bear  the  fruits  and  trees  of  the  tropics  ; 
while  the  mountains  yield  coffee  and  all  the  productions  of  the 
temperate  zones.  Among  the  vegetables  and  fruits  that  are 
used  for  home  consumption  only,  are  plantains,  bananas,  cocoa- 
nuts,  sweet  potatoes,  Irish  potatoes,  yams,  artichokes,  egg-plants, 
mangoes,  oranges,  asparagus,  bread-fruit,  vegetable-butter, 
(laurus  persea,  in  Creole,  avocate,)  vegetable-soap,  (sapin- 
dus  sapponaria,)  apples,  pineapples,  strawberries,  blackberries, 
mulberries,  peaches,  grapes,  carrots,,  cabbages,  radishes,  pump 
kins,  beets,  onions,  celery,  mint,  parsley,  and  turnips. 

FRUIT3  FOR  PRESERVES,  AND  FLOWERS  FOR  PERFUMES. 

Sugar  refineries  once  more  reestablished,  a  large  trade  would 
necessarily  arise  in  preserved  fruits  for  exportation.  The  high 


46  The  Vegetable    Kingdom. 

price  paid  for  white  sugar  at  present  prevents  this  "branch  of 
commerce  from  flourishing.  Oranges,  lemons,  figs,  guavas, 
apricots  of  the  Antilles,  (class  xlii.  Polyandrie  monogymie, 
LIN.,)  pineapples  of  every  variety,  pomegranates,  shaddocks, 
mangoes,  rose-apples,  custard-apples,  cachimants,  cai'mites, 
( Ghrysophyllum  ca'imit,  LIN.,)  papaws,  sapodillas,  dates, 
avocates,  and  the  other  luscious  fruits  of  the  tropics,  —  all  of 
which  are  to  be  found  in  Hayti, — would  furnish  unfailing  and 
abundant  sources  of  wealth  in  this  department  of  industry. 

Another  lucrative  commerce,  awaiting  development,  is  that 
of  extracting  perfumes  from  flowers.  Thousands  of  frangy- 
panni,  jasmines,  vervaines, —  all  the  innumerable  flowers  of  the 
tropics,  —  now  literally  waste  their  sweet  perfumes  on  the 
desert  air,  for  the  want  of  a  proper  knowledge  of  the  methods 
of  saving  them.  There  are  no  fine  essences  and  perfumes  sold 
in  the  civilized  world  that  could  not  be  manufactured  in  Hayti. 

MEDICAL    PLANTS. 

It  is  asserted  by  scientific  men,  that  the  flora  of  Hayti  — only 
partly  explored  by  Tussac,  Descourtilz,  and  others —  contains 
still  many  secrets  which,  if  known,  would  render  invaluable 
aid  to  the  medical  art.  For,  medicinal  plants  abound  every 
where  ;  and  everything  that  is  brought,  for  pharmaceutie  pur 
poses,  from  Africa  and  South  America,  is  to  be  found  on  this 
Island.  Our  space  permits  only  a  verbal  enumeration  of  some 
of  the  principal  medicinal  plants.  There  are  : 

Aloes,  balsam  copaiva,  wild-cinnamon  tree,  tannin,  mint, 
sage,  wild  sage,  quinquina,  all  the  kinds  of  acacias,  ricinoides, 
cascarillas,  vanilla,  myrth,  absinth,  valeriane,  melisse,  rosemary, 
camphor-tree,  cloves,  nutmegs,  shrub  trefoil,  quassias,  Jesuits- 
powder,  gentian  centaury,  menyanthes,  indian  arbro-boot,  wood- 
sorrel,  swallow  apple,  false  sycamore,  purstane,  Jerusalem  oak, 
fern-polypody,  cactus  grandiflorus,  divaricatus,  flagelliforniis, 
laurel-tree,  cinomorium,  coccineum,  ipecacuanha,  euphorbia  myr- 
tifolia,  ticassia,  tamarin  royoc,  rhubarb,  senna,  hop-bryony,  jalap, 
marchantia  chenopoda,  dodder,  negro  conhaye,  costus,  indian  cane, 


The   Vegetable    l^ingdom.  47 

long-rooted  birthwort,  cuete,  winter-cherry,  yellow-iris,  passion 
flower,  wall-pellitory,  cookia-wampi,  sapindus  saponaria,  sesamum 
orientalo,  jujube-tree,  sebosten,  gerard,  pittes,  squil,  venus-hair, 
peresky  lautana  camara,  black  nightshade,  vitis  labrusca,  inga, 
gomphroena  globosa,  euphoria  punicea,  monbin,  couroupita  guya- 
nensis,  spanish-plum,  begonia  litida,  theophrasta  amoricana 
minat. ,  laurus  camphora,  capparis  cynophallophora,  misseltoe, 
locust-tree,  peruvian  balsam-tree,  lime-tree,  croton  corylifolium, 
monarda  coccinea,  passiflora  fcetida,  pitton,  solanum  quitoense, 
argemona  mexicana,  purslane,  hibiscus  trilobus,  semson,  loran- 
thus  americanus,  vervain,  lecythis  grandiflora,  pharus  lappula- 
ceus  sida  americana,  isora,  elais  guineensis,  cedrela  odorata, 
boar-tree,  fagara  guianensis,  spotted  navel  estail,  cactus  fimbri- 
atus,  euphorbium,  areca,  piper  aromaticum,  piper  discolor, 
uvaria  arom.  zeylanica,  cubebs-shrub,  mustard,  fustic-wood, 
myristica  sebifera,  urtica  baccifera,  crotalaria  sagittalis,  stoechas 
amer.  lato  serratogne  folio,  iron  wood,  epidendrum  obtusifol., 
epidendrum  candatum,  cordia  collococca,  cassia  alata,  vateirca 
guian.,  maple-leaved  liquidamber,  ballota  odorata,  sago-tree, 
palma  humilis  coccifera  latifolia  mayor,  holly,  india-rubber  tree, 
juglans,  fraxinifolia,  ferolia  variegata,  smilax  salsaparilla,  guy- 
acum,  Chinese  smilax,  sassafras-tree,  lobea  syphilitica,  oviecla 
spinosa,  toluifera  balsamum,  copaiba-tree  offic.,  croton  origani- 
fol.,  cissus  sisyoides,  heliotropium  indicum,  hemp  agrimony, 
aspalatus  ebenus,  pistia  stratiotes  fol.  obcord. ,  cinchona  nitida, 
caryota  urens,  cactus  monoliformis,  cactus  nobilis,  cactus  coch- 
enillefer,  cactus  triangul.,  bread-nuts,  artocarpus  incisa,  indian 
arrowroot,  theyreat  bean,  cinnamon-tree,  panax  quiquefol., 
tubera  Candida,  henbane,  white  water-lily,  laurus  persea,  anagy- 
ris,  welted  frajeles,  common  feverfew,  hypoxis  scorzoncra, 
broad-leaved-egyptian  privet,  nymphsea  lotus,  nelumbo  indica, 
camomile. 

POISONOUS    PLANTS. 

All  tropical  countries  produce  poisonous  plants;  but  as  they 
are  easily  recognized  they  seldom  injure.      Emigrants  should 


48  The   Vegetable    Kingdom. 

eat  no  fruits  until  they  know  what  they  are.  In  Hayti,  there 
are  three  kinds  of  fruits,  all  poisonous,  of  the  mancinella-tree, 
which  somewhat  resemble  the  citron,  and  thereby  deceive  chil 
dren.  But,  as  the  tree  is  always  "destroyed  as  soon  as  it  is  dis 
covered,  it  is  extremely  rare.  The  chief  poisonous  plants  of 
Hayti  are  :  — 

Poisoned  hog-meat,  (aristolochia  arborescens;)  snake-nut, 
gouare,  cestrum  nocturnum,  tree  arum,  (three  different  kinds.) 
trefoil-leaved  dragon,  cissus  caustica,  dolichos  obtusifolius,  doli- 
chos  minimus,  thorn-apple,  deadly  nightshade,  goats-rue, 
amaryllis  punicea,  black  nightshade,  milky  dogsbane,  and 
cissampelos. 

WOODS. 

Comparatively  —  considering  its  extent  and  fertility  —  un 
peopled,  Hayti  has  vast  tracts  of  forest  lands,  many  of  which 
have  never  been  exploited  for  sixty  years,  and  abound  there 
fore  in  every  variety  of  wood  for  building,  cabinet-making,  ship- 
architecture,  dyeing,  and  tanning.  The  chief  woods  exploited 
are  mahogany  and  logwood ;  and  these,  too,  are  taken  from  the 
most  easily  accessible  places  only,  and  without  any  aid  from  the 
appliances  of  modern  art.  The  coasts,  the  banks  of  the  Arti- 
bonite  and  other  rivers  furnish  all  the  woods  at  present  exported, 
but  the  exhaustless  forests  elsewhere,  which  it  would  not  be 
difficult  to  work,  remain  still  in  their  primitive  condition.  For 
house-building  the  Island  furnishes  magnificent  pines,  and  a 
species  of  an  oak  (Bignonia  guercus)  as  firm  as  that  of  Eu 
rope,  and  impervious  to  worms.  For  frame  and  joint  work, 
anacardium  occidentale  furnishes  a  good  white  wood ;  and  for 
pile-work,  there  is  the  acacia  mimom.  tenuifolia,  which  lasts  for  a 
century.  For  ship-building,  the  oak,  iron-woods,  auzuba  fructu 
glutinosa  and  the  acornas,  (which  furnish  masts  60  feet  long 
and  18  inches  in  diameter,)  as  well  as  the  pines,  already  men 
tioned,  and  other  hard  woods.  For  cabinet-making,  mahogany 
of  every  variety,  (the  best  in  all  the  world,)  ebony,  lancewood, 
ferolia  variegato,  red  and  yellow  satinwood,  abound  and  are 


The  Vegetable   Kingdom.  49 

capable  of  receiving  a  high  polish ;  as  also,  are  the  zanthoxylum 
caribasum,  which  is  likewise  a  dye-wood,  the  erithalis  fruticosa, 
which  preserves  its  fine  odor,  orange-wood,  rose-wood,  guyacum, 
lauras,  sassafras,  and  different  kinds  of  the  walnut.  Among 
the  dye-woods  are,  logwood,  in  quantities  inexhaustible,  fustic, 
and  satin-wood,  (yellow;)  Brazilwood,  (carmine;)  myrthus 
cotenifolia,  (yellow  and  brown;)  laurus  sassafras,  (yellow;) 
colocoba  uvifera,  (red ;)  Braziliastrum  americanum,  (brownish 
red;)  malphigia  urens,  (red  and  black;)  mortis  tinctoria, 
(yellow ;)  and  the  roots  of  laurus  jasmini  folio,  a  sort  of  iron- 
wood,  which  give  a  violet  dye.  There  are  hundreds  of  others 
which  it  is  impossible  to  enumerate.  For  tanning  purposes 
there  are  many  trees  whose  bark  is  invaluable,  —  such  as  the 
guava,  corossol,  anona  squamosa,  cupana  americana,  malphigia 
specata,  and  innumerable  hosts  of  others.  For  paper  manu 
facturing,  now  that  there  is  so  great  a  demand  for  materials, 
Hayti  might  export  an  inexhaustible  supply  of  aloes,  perfoliata, 
and  other  plants  which  serve  to  make  good  common  paper.  Of 
resinous  woods  there  is  a  great  variety. 


V. 

JUineral  tftngtrom.* 

THE  existence  of  immense  mineral  riches  in  the  Island  of 
Hayti  is  too  well  substantiated  to  require  any  argument  to 
prove  it.  Its  possessions  of  metallic  ores  were  the  first  that 
stimulated  European  cupidity  soon  after  the  discovery  of  the 
"Western  World.  Several  of  these  mines,  in  the  Eastern  sec 
tion  of  the  Island,  have  been  imperfectly  worked  in  times  past, 
but  the  age  was  not  then  sufficiently  advanced  in  scientific 
knowledge,  to  have  been  acquainted  with  the  means  and  appli 
ances  necessary  for  their  successful  exploration.  In  Hayti, 
proper,  the  mineral  wealth  of  the  country  has  been  yet  still 
more  neglected.  Their  exploration  has  hitherto  been  discounte 
nanced.  Until  very  recently,  these  mineral  resources,  from 
political  motives,  were  little  referred  to ;  or  it  was  imagined  by 
all  the  governments  that  have  preceded  the  present  one,  that  by 
allowing  their  exploration,  it  would  tend  to  prostrate  and  annul 
the  agricultural  spirit  and  industry  of  the  people.  We  have  no 
opinion  to  offer  for  or  against  the  soundness  of  this  idea ;  we 
only  affirm  that  this  is  not  the  principle  of  the  present  adminis 
tration  of  Hayti,  which  invites  laborers  of  the  African  race  to 
come  over  and  participate  in  the  exploration  and  the  riches  to 
be  obtained  from  these  mines,  which  henceforth  are  no  longer 
closed. 

*  This  chapter  is  contributed  by  Dr.  Smith,  of  Port-au-Prince.    It  is  not  a 
translation. 


The    Mineral   Kingdom. 


Few  countries  are  more  highly  favored  in  the  variety  and 
value  of  metallic  ores,  and  none  can  boast  of  so  general  or 
natural  distribution  of  them,  as  Hayti.  On  the  present  occa 
sion,  little  more  is  required  than  a  summary  note  of  certain 
known  localities  in  these  parts  of  the  country.  In  the  North 
St.  Michel,  the  parishes  of  Lemonade,  Dondon,  Plakai:ee,  and 
Port  de  Paix,  are  mineral  districts;  the  neighborhood  of 
Jacmel ;  the  Mirebalais,  Lascahobas,  and  Banica,  in  the  West 
and  East  Northeast,  are  among  the  most  interesting  mineral 
sections  of  the  Republic.  The  South  has  also  its  portion  of 
this  species  of  natural  wealth.  Iron  is  everywhere  profusely 
distributed  under  the  form  of  the  Peroxide,  —  hoematite,  the 
carburet,  pyrites,  or  the  sulphuret.  Detached  pieces  of  mag 
netic  iron  are  often  met  with.  The  country  abounding  every 
where  in  wood,  smelting  establishments  and  founderies  would 
quickly  realize  the  hopes  of  the  most  sanguine  and  ambitious. 
Extensive  mines  of  coal  (Lignite)  are  about  being  utilized  by 
the  Government ;  those  already  known  are  located,  one  at  a 
short  distance  from  the  town  of  Aux  Cayes,  at  "  Camp-Perm," 
and  the  other,  in  the  Northeastern  section  of  the  Republic,  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Artibonite  River.  There  are  other  natural 
depots  of  this  invaluable  mineral,  situated  in  other  parts,  but 
the  above  ones,  in  extent,  appear  to  be  inexhaustible,  and  are 
still  more  valuable  from  the  facility  of  transport  offered  by  their 
location. 

Gold  quartz  and  copper,  antimony  and  silver,  the  jasper  and 
marble,  talc,  jet,  and  the  agate,  are  among  the  providential 
dotations  that  are  most  abundantly  and  generally  diffused  in 
and  about  the  mountain  ranges  of  Hayti.  Copper  is  seen 
under  different  forms  and  in  different  places.  The  most  com 
mon  are  the  blue  and  green  pyrites,  mixed  often  with  the  sul 
phuret  of  iron,  at  other  times  separate.  The  red,  blue,  and 
green  oxyd,  or  malachite,  under  the  blowpipe  will  yield  from 
35  to  45  per  cent,  of  copper,  but  these  are  not  the  richest  in 
Hayti.  Salines  are  numerous.  Rock,  or  gem  salt,  is  a 


52  The   Mineral   Kingdom. 

natural  production.  Sulphur  and  saltpetre  are  to  be  procured 
by  a  little  manipulation  and  industry,  and,  in  fact,  to  terminate, 
it  may  be  said,  without  fear  of  contradiction,  that  Hayti,  up  to 
this  time,  has  been  known  only  as  an  agricultural  State,  and 
remains  yet  to  be  known  in  reference  to  its  great  and  varied 
mineral  advantages. 

W.  G.  SMITH. 


VI. 

0ml 

WS.  COURTNEY,  Esq.,  in  a  recent  volume  on  "  The 
•  Gold  Fields  of  St.  Domingo,"  written  with  the  object 
of  inducing  a  white  emigration  to  the  Dominican  Republic, — 
a  purpose  which  it  is  impossible  to  accomplish  peacefully, 
—  describes  accurately  the  nature  of  the  soil  of  the  Eastern 
part ;  and,  as  what  he  says  of  it  applies  equally  to  Hayti,  I 
herewith  transcribe  and  subjoin  it :  "  The  soil  of  the  Island  of 
St.  Domingo  is  constituted  of  the  debris  of  the  mountains  and 
hills  and  the  decayed  vegetation  of  past  ages.  When  we  reflect 
that  these  prodigious  mountains  differ  remarkably  and  essentially 
in  their  geological  constituents,  and  that  the  contrast  is  truly 
striking,  sometimes  between  mountains  and  even  hills  in  jux 
taposition,  it  will  appear  how  endless  would  be  the  task  of 
speaking  definitely  and  particularly  of  all  the  various  kinds  of 
soil  that  are  to  be  found  on  the  Island.  The  soil  of  the  valleys, 
slopes,  and  plains,  partaking  of  the  characteristics  of  the  hills 
and  mountains  on,  beneath,  beside,  and  betwixt  which  they  are 
found,  varies  as  they  vary.  In  one  place  we  find  a  rich  vege 
table  mould ;  in  another,  a  mixture  of  this  mould  with  pebbles 
and  sand;  in  another,  alight,  loose,  spongy  loam.;  in  another,  a 
loose  marl ;  in  another,  a  clayey  marl ;  in  another,  a  soil  formed 
of  dissolved  or  pulverized  coral  and  shells ;  and  in  another,  of 
pure  clay  or  sand.  It  differs,  also,  in  color  and  depth  as  much 
as  it  differs  in  constitution  and  quality.  Sometimes  it  is  yellow, 

5* 


54 


Soil. 


though  still  retaining  its  productive  qualities ;  sometimes  it  is 
red,  sometimes  of  a  bluish  cast,  sometimes  of  a  dark,  muddy, 
or  lava  color ;  but  most  generally  it  is  black,  and  its  depth 
varies  from  ten  feet  to  six  inches.  In  the  valleys  and  slopes, 
in  and  on  the  mountains,  and  on  the  savannahs  and  plains,  it  is 
generally  a  rich,  black  loam,  varying  in  depth  from  three  to  ten 
feet.  In  the  lowlands,  on  some  of  the  coasts,  it  is  a  salt  meadow 
or  quagmire,  without  any  solid  bottom,  except  where  the  roots 
of  the  mangrove  ramify  and  interlace  so  as  to  retain  the  vege 
table  portion  of  it  carried  there  by  the  streams,  while  further 
back  it  is  formed  into  a  solid  earth,  bearing  abundance  of 
marine-figs,  flags,  sea-rushes,  and  tall  grass.  The  deepest  and 
richest  soil  is  found  in  the  valleys,  at  and  near  the  mouths  of 
the  principal  rivers,  and  is  made  up  of  the  alluvial  deposits 
brought  down  by  these  streams.  So  variable  are  the  nature 
and  characteristics  of  the  soil,  that  it  often  radically  changes  in 
passing  from  one  side  of  a  valley  to  another,  or  crossing  a  stream, 
and  sometimes  differs  essentially  on  the  opposite  banks  of  the 
rivers ;  and  often,  in  passing  along  the  road,  it  will  be  observed 
to  change  in  the  course  of  a  few  rods,  or  even  feet.  In  the 
larger  valleys  and  plains,  especially  gome  distance  from  the 
mountains,  it  is  more  uniform  ;  and  more  uniform  on  the  South 
side  of  the  Island  than  in  the  interior  and  on  the  North  side. 
....  On  some  of  the  mountains  and  their  elevated  slopes  the 
soil  is  good,  and  the  grass  and  other  similar  undergrowth  grow 
dense  and  rank  to  their  very  tops,  while  the  elevated  portions  of 
others  sustain  only  broken  and  ragged  forests  of  pitch  pine,  in 
terspersed  with  palm  and  many  hard  and  durable  woods. 
Others  of  these  mountains  are  again  bald  and  sterile  on  their 
tops  and  around  their  summits,  peering  up  through  the  green 
and  heavy  foliage  below  like  naked  cones.  An  analysis  of  the 
soil,  at  different  places,  attests  the  fact  that  it  is  highly  impreg 
nated  with  the  minerals  peculiar  to  the  mountains,  which  prob 
ably  accounts  for  its  variety  in  color  in  different  localities.  It 
has  been  found  to  contain  iron,  sulphur,  copper,  antimony, 


Soil.  55 

mercury,  gold,  cobalt,  manganese,  salt,  and  other  minerals  in 
various  combinations  and  conditions  at  different  points.  The 
gold  is  of  course  found  pure  and  diffused  in  the  soil  almost  all 
over  the  Island,  in  some  places  being  only  very  slightly  trace 
able,  and  in  others  palpably  so.  In  regard  to  the  productive-, 
ness  of  the  soil,  suffice  it  to  say  that,  notwithstanding  its 
diversity  and  variety,  it  is  prolific  beyond  anything  found  in 
the  Antilles,  and  not  excelled  by  that  of  the  Italian  peninsula 
or  Sicily,  to  which  it  bears  a  strong  resemblance.  The  sugar 
cane  grows  the  year  round,  and  so  fast  and  thick,  that  by  the 
time  the  laborer  has  cut  over  and  exhausted  a  ten-acre  field,  it 
is  ready  again  to  cut  where  he  began.  The  corn,  which  is  cul 
tivated  now  by  simply  making  a  hole  in  the  ground  and  drop 
ping  in  the  seed,  with  no  further  care  or  labor,  grows  to  the 
height  of  from  eight  to  fifteen  feet,  bearing  three  to  five  ears  to 
the  stalk.  The  tobacco,  which  is  cultivated  with  as  little  scien 
tific  skill  and  care,  spreads  out  the  broadest  and  sappiest  leaves 
found  anywhere  in  the  Antilles.  Other  crops  indigenous  to  the 
climate  grow  with  equal  rapidity  and  strength.  It  is  said  that 
in  some  districts  the  melon,  the  pumpkin,  and  the  squash  ripen 
in  six  weeks  from  the  seed.  [At  Port-au-Prince  radishes  ripen 
in  three  weeks  from  the  time  of  planting  the  seed.  J.  R.]  .  .  . 
Such  a  thing  as  a  fertilizer,  an  article  of  such  extended  traffic 
and  so  necessary  to  the  agriculturist  here,  is  not  known  nor 
thought  of  there,  nor  will  it,  I  apprehend,  ever  be  required. 
The  fertility  and  strength  of  the  soil,  containing  all  the  ele 
mentary  constituents  required  to  produce  and  mature  the  various 
vegetable  growths,  could  not  be  exhausted  even  without  any 
return  to  it  for  generations.  Besides,  the  mountains  themselves 
are  the  great  fertilizers  of  St.  Domingo,  and  will  remain  so 
until  they  are  devoured  by  the  tooth  of  time  and  sink  away 
in  distant  ages.  The  debris  of  these  mountains,  together  with 
the  decaying  vegetation  on  their  sides  and  tops,  brought  down 
by  frequent  rains,  supply  the  soil  in  the  valleys,  plains,  and 
savannahs,  with  abundant  and  incessant  recruits.  Its  fecundity 
is  a  marvel  to  the  husbandman  of  these  latitudes 


VII. 

Climate,  Sea0on0,  emir  temperature. 

FROM  the  geographical  position  of  Ilayti,  and  its  proximity 
to  Cuba  and  Jamaica,  a  non-resident  might  infer  that  the 
climate  and  atmospheric  range  of  temperature  which  prevail  in 
either  one  of  the  Antilles  were  common  to  all,  and  strictly  alike 
and  similar  in  reference  to  this  Island. 

This  is  not  exactly  the  case.  Its  peculiar  situation  in  re 
spect  to  the  other  Antilles  and  to  the  influence  of  the  trade 
winds,  and  many  other  natural  circumstances  besides,  operating 
propitiously,  have  given  to  Hayti  much  advantage  in  these 
respects  over  her  sister  isles  of  the  same  group.  We  affirm, 
from  experience,  that  the  climate  of  Hayti  is  more  healthful, 
that  the  range  of  temperature  is  less  ardent,  than  in  the  neigh 
boring  islands ;  that  the  reasons  as  to  why  this  should  be  so 
appear  too  various,  too  multiplied,  to  admit  our  specifying  any 
one  in  particular.  The  fact,  however;  cannot  be  contested  ;  so 
that,  whether  from  the  altitude  of  its  several  chains  of  moun 
tains,  the  one  out-topping  the  other,  and  on  the  lofty  heads  of 
which  the  surcharged  clouds  are  condensed  or  dissolved  into 
rain ;  the  extent  and  fertility  of  its  plains  and  valleys,  every 
where  most  liberally  intersected  by  rivers,  streams,  mountain 
torrents  settled  into  placid  rills,  which,  under  the  solar  influence, 
undergo  constant  evaporation,  that  refreshes  and  tempers  the  air ; 
whether  these  combined,  together  with  its  topography,  its  physi 
cal  configuration,  and  its  ever-green,  exuberant  forests,  which 


Climate,  Seasons,  and  Temperature.        57 

are  everywhere  spread  out,  and  which  reach  up  to  the  very  tops 
of  the  mountains,  the  foliaceous  undulations  of  which  exercise 
perpetually  a  cooling  influence  on  the  surrounding  torrid  atmos 
phere  ;  whether  there  be  other  causes  or  reasons  beside  these, 
we  do  not  assert ;  but  we  think  it  rational  to  conclude  that 
all  these  circumstances,  operating  incessantly,  are  the  real 
agencies  that  modify  and  soften  the  climate  of  Hayti,  and  have 
rendered  its  temperature  milder,  less  sultry,  and  more  salubrious 
than  it  is  found  to  be  in  Cuba  or  Jamaica  during  parallel 
seasons. 

A  country  blessed  with  all  these  natural  advantages  must 
enjoy  also  great  variety  of  climate  and  varied  degrees  of  tem 
perature,  as  regards  a  residence  in  the  plains  and  a  more  or  less 
proximity  to  the  seaboard,  or  a  graduated  approach  to  the  more 
elevated  parts,  upwards,  towards  the  higher  mountain  range. 
Its  capacity  to  produce  every  kind  of  vegetable  substance  that 
jan  contribute  to  the  comfort  of  its  inhabitants  and  to  the  pros 
perity  of  the  state,  must  be  equal  to  the  fecundity  and  diversity 
of  its  soil. 

Hayti,  rich  in  all  the  variety  of  tropical  productions,  is  well 
adapted,  in  its  elevated  situations,  to  the  growth  of  most  all 
those  grains  and  plants  that  thrive  in  other  latitudes  and  cooler 
regions.  The  peach,  the  apple,  strawberries,  the  raspberry, 
the  cauliflower,  potatoes,  the  carrot,  the  beetrave,  the  broccoli, 
parsnip,  and  the  asparagus,  and  other  like  legume  and  esculents, 
have  all  been  long  ago  naturalized  in  this  country,  and  they 
Nourish  as  vigorously  as  in  Europe  or  America. 

Besides  the  multitude  of  floral  families,  species,  and  then- 
varieties  common  to  the  tropics,  the  rose,  the  violet,  the  pink, 
(TaeiUet,)  geraniums,  diversify  and  decorate  our  alpine  valleys, 
which  are  likewise  carpeted  spontaneously  with  the  clover  and 
the  daisy,  while  the  oak,  the  common  fir,  and  exalted  pine-tree, 
(pinus  sylvestris,)  are  multiplied  into  forests  whose  extent  are 
estimated  by  the  leagues  of  country  they  cover,  and  which  are 


58        Climate,  Seasons,  and  Temperature. 

only  within  a  few  leagues'  distance  from  several  points  on  the 
seacoast. 

Four  seasons  are  distinctly  sketched,  but  three  only  annually 
can  be  said  to  be  well  marked,  persistent,  and  immutable  in 
these  parts,  that  is  to  say,  the  Western,  the  Northern,  and  the 
Southern  Departments  or  sections  of  the  Island,  which  all 
who  immigrate  are  destined  to  inhabit.  These  comprehend  two 
wet  or  rainy  seasons  and  one  dry  season,  which,  in  relation  to 
each  Department  and  particular  localities,  vary  as  to  the  time 
when  they  commence,  but  occur  most  always  about  the  period  of 
the  equinoxes  and  solstices.  In  the  Western  Department,1 
Port-au-Prince,  the  seat  of  government,  is  located.  There,  the 
rainy  season  is  in  February,  March,  and  April.  During  these 
months  more  or  less  rain  falls  irregularly  through  the  day.  The 
latter  part  of  May,  June,  and  July,  to  about  the  middle  of 
August,  with  certain  rare  exceptions,  comprehends  the  dry  sea 
son,  and  is  the  hottest  part  of  the  year.  The  rainy  period 
returns  towards  the  end  of  August,  and  continues  through 
September  to  about  the  middle  of  October,  and  is  then  suc 
ceeded  by  what  is  called  by  the  European  resident,  the  cool, 
delicious  season. 

Thermometer,  hottest  season,  from  10  A.  M.  to  4  p.  M.,  in  the 
shade,  maximum,  98°  Fahrenheit;  same  time,  in  the  sun,  120° 
to  121°.  Out  of  town,  in  the  plains,  several  degrees  lower. 
At  Grand-fond,  situated  E.  S.  E.,  distant  but  three  or  four 
hours'  ride  from  the  capital,  in  July,  the  thermometer  at 
6  A.  M.  will  mark  59°  to  60°,  and  from  12  M,  to  2  p.  M.,  72°  to 
78°  maximum.  From  the  end  of  October  during  the  rest  of 
the  year,  and  up  to  the  following  month  of  April,  the  thermo- 
inctrical  range,  in  the  shade,  from  10  A.  M.  to  3  p.  M.,  is  85°  to 
90°  maximum;  in  the  sun,  110°  to  115°  Fahrenheit. 

The  Northern  Department,  with  Cape  Haytian  as  its  prin 
cipal  town,  has  two  seasons,  strictly  speaking.  December, 
January,  March,  and  April,  are  rainy  months.  What  is  de 
nominated  the  dry  season  commences  in  May  and  is  prolonged 


Climate,  Seasons,  and  Temperature.        59 

through  August  and  September.  The  highest  range  of  tem 
perature  is  in  August,  when  the  North  wind  is  not  dominant. 
Thermometer,  in  the  shade,  from  11  A.  M.  to  2  p.  M.,  85°  to 
92°.  In  the  plains  it  is  never  so  high  as  in  the  town  at  the 
same  period  of  the  year.  On  the  more  elevated  parts,  as  in 
Lemonade,  etc.,  for  example,  the  thermometrical  range  is  seldom 
over  72°  to  85°  maximum. 

The  Southern  Department,  principal  town  Aux-Cayes,  is 
usually  under  the  influence  of  rains  during  the  months  of  May, 
June,  and  July.  August  and  September  mark  the  dry  season 
in  that  section  of  the  island.  From  November  to  March  the 
air  is  cool  and  salubrious  at  Aux-Cayes,  and  still  more  so  in 
the  plains  and  rural  districts,  where  the  temperature  is  always 
several  degrees  less  than  it  is  in  situations  near  the  seacoast. 
The  thermometrical  range  is  referred  to  that  of  Port-au-Prince 
and  the  West. 

The  reader  of  this  imperfect  exposition  of  the  climate,  sea 
sons,  and  temperature  of  Hayti  will  be  convinced  at  once  of  the 
causes  of  the  extraordinary  fertility  of  its  soil,  and  will  perceive 
the  advantages  which  must  result  from  industry  and  agricul 
tural  enterprise  properly  conducted  hi  such  a  country. 

"W.  G.  SMITH,  of  Port-au-Prince. 


COPPER    COINS    OF    HAYTI, 


THE    REPUBLIC    AND    EMIGRATION. 


OFFICIAL   PART. 


I. 

(Rritorial    Sntroiruction. 

INSTRUCTED  by  the  Government  to  publish  in  full  all  its 
laws  and  other  documents  in  relation  to  emigration,  I  here 
with  subjoin  them  without  abridgment ;  although,  necessarily, 
there  are  occasional  repetitions  of  facts  and  of  guarantees  in 
them,  made  in  reply  to  similar  questions,  or  in  reviewing  the 
action  that  has  been  taken  with  a  view  of  carrying  out  the 
grand  and  generous  project  of  the  Chief  of  the  Republic  and 
his  enlightened  counsellors,  — 'that  of  making  Hayti  to  the 
black  race  what  England  is  and  has  been  to  the  proscribed  and 
persecuted  classes  of  Europe,  a  safe  place  of  refuge,  not  only, 
but  a  free  and  a  powerful  fatherland. 

I  prefix  a  translation  of  the  Constitution  of  1846,  which 
Soulouque  abolished,  but  the  Republic  revived,  with  certain 
Modifications  rendered  necessary  by  the  altered  circumstances 
of  the  times.  The  Modifications,  also,  are  appended.  It  will 
repay  a  careful  study  to  the  general  reader ;  to  the  emigrant  it 
will  be  invaluable  for  reference. 

The  documents  are  arranged  in  the  order  of  their  dates,  and 
it  will  be  observed  that  the  terms  become  more  liberal  as  these 
advance. 

One  word  of  explanation  is  rendered  necessary  in  view  of 
the  editor's  appointment  as  the  General  Agent  of  Emigration 
in  America,  and  the  passage  of  the  Homestead  Bill  in  Hayti. 
No  emigrants  will  be  entitled  to  a  free  passage,  or  have 


64  Editorial    Introduction. 

the  right  of  drawing  $15.00  from  the  treasury  on  their  arri 
val  in  the  Island,  unless  furnished  with  the  certificate  of  the 
Bureau  of  Boston.  Those,  also,  who  accept  a  free  farm, 
will  be  expected  to  pay  their  passages ;  but  if  unable,  for  the 
moment,  to  do  so,  the  necessary  means  will  be  provided  for 
them,  and  abundant  time  be  allowed  them,  after  their  arrival  in 
the  Island,  to  refund  the  advance.  In  order  to  prevent  an 
emigration  to  Hayti  of  persons  who  would  leave  this  country 
for  the  country's  good,  it  will  also  be  demanded  from  applicants 
for  a  homestead,  that,  if  from  the  Northern  States  or  the 
Canadas,  they  shall  produce  the  certificate  of  the  Bureau  of 
Boston.  Of  course,  this  rule  will  not  be  enforced  in  the  case 
of  emigrants  from  that  barbarous  and  blood-stained  section  of 
the  Union  where  black  men  are  enslaved,  and  white  men  who 
sympathize  with  them  so  often  suffer  death  at  the  hands  of  the 
mob,  — even,  as  recently  in  Texas,  the  fearful  torture  of  the 
stake. 

It  is  not  the  design  of  the  Bureau  of  Boston  to  send  emi 
grants,  except  in  peculiar  cases,  by  transient  vessels ;  but  to 
charter  ships  expressly  adapted  for  the  purpose  of  conveying 
them  comfortably  and  speedily.  In  these  vessels,  those  who 
desire  to  pay  their  own  expenses  will  be  accommodated  at  the 
lowest  rates,  both  as  regards  board  and  passage  money ;  while 
the  others  will  receive  equal  consideration  and  attention.  All 
emigrants,  unless  special  provision  be  made  for  large  companies, 
will  sail  from  the  port  of  Boston. 


ir 


Constitution  of 


rpHE  Haytian  people  proclaims,  in  presence  of  the  Supreme 
JL  Being,  the  present  Constitution  of  the  Republic  of  Hayti, 
in  order  to  consecrate  for  ever  its  rights,  its  civil  and  political 
guarantees,  its  sovereignty,  and  its  national  independence. 

TITLE  I. 

OF  THE  TERRITORY  OF  THE  REPUBLIC  02  HAYTI. 

ARTICLE  1.  The  Island  of  Hayti  and  the  adjacent*Islands 
which  are  dependent  thereon,  form  the  territory  of  the  lie- 
public. 

2.  The  Territory  of  the  Republic   is  divided   into   depart 
ments.     Their  limits  will  be  established  by  law. 

3.  Each  department  is  subdivided  into  arrondissements,  each 
arrondissement  into  communes.    The  number  and  boundaries  of 
these  subdivisions  shall  also  be  defined  by  law. 

4.  The  Republic  of  Hayti  is  one  and  indivisible,  essentially 
free,  sovereign,  and  independent. 

Its  Territory  is  inviolable,  and  cannot  be  alienated  by  any 
treaty. 

*  Commonly  called  the  Constitution  of  1846,  or  the  Constitution  of  Rich<5. 
G* 


66  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

TITLE    II. 

OF   THE   HAYTIANS   AND    THEIR   RIGHTS. 
SECTION     I. 

Of  the  Haytians. 

5.  Are  Haytians,  all  individuals  born  in  Hayti  and  descended 
from  Africans  and  Indians,  and  all  those  Iborn  in  foreign  coun 
tries  of  Haytian  parents. 

Are  also  Haytians,  all  tft&se  who,  up  to  the  present  time, 
have  been  recognized  as  such. 

G.  All  Africans  or  Indians  and  their  descendants,  are  able 
to  become  Haytians. 

The  law  settles  the  formalities  of  naturalization. 

7.  No  white  man,  whatever  be  his  nationality,  shall  be  per 
mitted  to  land  on  the  Haytian  territory,  with  the  title  of  master 
or  proprietor,  nor  shall  he  be  able,  in  future,  to  acquire  there 
either  real  estate  or  the  rights  of  a  Haytian. 

SECTION   II. 
Of  Civil  and  Political  Eights. 

8.  N<*elave  can  be  held  on  the  Territory  of  the  Republic; 
slavery  is  forever  abolished. 

9.  All  debts  contracted  through  traffic  in  men,  are  annulled 
forever. 

10.  The  right  of  asylum  is  sacred  and  inviolable  in  the  Re 
public,  except  in  the  exceptional  cases  foreseen  by  law. 

11.  The  union  of  civil  with  political  rights  constitutes  the 
quality  of  citizen. 

The  exercise  of  civil  rights  is  independent  of  the  exercise  of 
political. 

12.  The  exercise  of  civil  rights  is  regulated  by  law. 

13.  Every  citizen,  above  the  age  of  21   years,   exercises 
political  rights,  if  he  has,  besides,  the  "other  necessary  con 
ditions  determined  by  the  Constitution. 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  '  67 

Nevertheless,  naturalized  Haytians  are  not  admitted  to  this 
exercise,  till  after  one  year's  residence  in  the  Republic. 

14.  The  exercise  of  political  rights  is  forfeited  ; 
(1.)  By  naturalization  in  a  foreign  country; 

(2.)  By  forsaking  the  country  in  a  moment  of  imminent 
danger ; 

(3.)  By  accepting,  without  authorization,  public  functions  or 
pensions  conferred  by  a  foreign  government ; 

(4.)  By  serving,  without  authorization,  either  in  the  army  or 
the  navy  of  a  foreign  power  ; 

(5.)  By  all  settlement  made  in  a  foreign  country  without 
intention  of  returning. 

Commercial  establishments  can  never  be  considered  as  having 
been  made  without  intention  of  returning. 

(6.)  By  peremptory  and  final  condemnation  to  perpetual 
punishment,  at  the  same  time  both  corporal  and  ignominious. 

15.  The  exercise  of  political  rights  is  suspended. 
(1.)  By  the  condition  of  hired  servants ; 

(2.)  By  the  condition  of  simple  or  fraudulent  bankrupt ; 

(3.)  By  the  condition  of  judicial  hiterdict,  of  accusation,  or 
of  contumacy ; 

(4.)  In  consequence  of  a  judicial  sentence,  carrying  with  it 
the  suspension  of  civil  rights ; 

(5.)  In  consequence  of  a  judgment,  decreed  for  a  refusal 
to  serve  in  the  National  Guard. 

The  suspension  ceases  with  the  causes  which  occasioned  it. 

16.  The  exercise  of  political  rights  can  only  be  forfeited  or 
suspended,  in  the  cases  mentioned  in  the  preceding  articles. 

17.  The  law  regulates  the  cases  in  which  political  rights  may 
be  recovered,  also  the  means  to  be  made  use  of  and  the  condi 
tions  to  be  fulfilled  to  attain  this  object. 

SECTION    III. 
Of  Public  Eights. 

18.  All  Haytians  are  equal  before  the  law. 


68  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

They  are  all  equally  eligible  to  the  civil  and  military  ser 
vices. 

19.  There  exist  in  the  State  no  distinction  of  orders,  no  dis 
tinction  of  birth,  no  hereditary  powers. 

20.  Individual    liberty  is    guaranteed.     No    one  can    be 
arrested  or  detained,  except  in  the  cases  determined  by  law, 
and  according  to  the  manner  by  it  established. 

21.  In  order  to  the  execution  of  an  act,  which  decrees  the 
arrest  of  any  person,  it  must,  1st,  set  forth  formally  the  motive 
of  the  arrest,  and  the  law  in  execution  of  which  it  is  decreed ; 
2d,  emanate  from  a  functionary  to  whom  the  law  has  formally 
given  this  power ;  3d,  be  notified  to  the  person  arrested,  and  a 
copy  left  him. 

All  arrests  that  the  law  has  not  prescribed,  or  made  without 
the  required  forms,  all  violence  or  rigor  employed  in  the  execu 
tion  of  a  mandate,  are  arbitrary  acts  which  every  one  has  a 
right  to  resist. 

22.  No  one  can  be  forced  to  appear  before  any  other  judges 
than  those  that  the  Constitution  or  the  law  assigns  him. 

23.  The  house  of  every  person,  resident   on  Haytian  Terri 
tory,  is  an  inviolable  asylum. 

No  domiciliary  visit,  no  seizure  of  papers  can  take  place,  ex 
cept  by  virtue  of  the  law  and  in  the  forms  prescribed. 

24.  No  law  can  have  a  retroactive  effect. 

25.  No  punishment  can  be  instituted  except  by  law,  nor  im 
posed,  except  in  the  cases  determined  by  law. 

26.  The  Constitution  guarantees  the  inviolability  of  property. 

27.  The  Constitution   also  guarantees  the  alienation  of  the 
national  domains^  as  also   the   grants   of  land  made  by  the 
Government,  either  as  a  national  gratuity  or  otherwise. 

28.  No   one  can  be  deprived  of  his  property,  except  on 
account  of  public  utility,  in  the  cases  and  manner  established 
by  law,  and  in  consideration  of  a  just  and  previous  indemnity. 

29.  The  punishment  of  confiscation  cannot  be  established. 

30.  Every  citizen  owes  his  services  to  the  country  for  the 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  69 

maintenance  of  liberty,  equality,  and  property,  whenever  the 
laws  summon  him  to  defend  them. 

31.  The  punishment  of  death  shall  bo  confined  to  certain 
causes  which  the  law  shall  determine. 

32.  Every  man  has  the  right  of  expressing  his  opinions  on 
every  subject ;  he  may  write,  print,  and  publish  his  thoughts. 

No  control  before  publication  can  be  exercised  upon  any 
writing  whatever. 

The  abuse  of  this  right  is  defined  and  repressed  by  law, 
without,  however,  affecting  the  liberty  of  the  press. 

33.  All  kinds  of  worship  are  equally  free. 

Every  one  has  the  right  of  professing  his  religion  and  of 
exercising  freely  his  worship,  provided  he  does  not  disturb  the 
public  order. 

34.  The  establishment  of  a  church  or  chapel,  and  the  public 
exercise  of  worship,  may  be  regulated  by  law. 

35.  The  ministers  of  the   Catholic,  Apostolic,   and  Roman 
religion,  professed  by  the  majority  of  Haytians,  will  receive  a 
stipend  fixed   by   law.      They   shall  be   specially  protected. 
Government  determines  the  territorial  extent  of  the  parishes  to 
which  they  minister. 

36.  Instruction  is  free,  and  schools  will  gradually  be  estab 
lished  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  people. 

37.  Trial  by  jury   is   established  in  all  criminal  matters. 
From  its  decision  there  is  no  appeal. 

38.  The  Haytians  have  the  right  of  association ;  this  right 
cannot  be  submitted  to  any  precautionary  measure ;  the  right 
belonging  to, the  public  authorities,  of  watching  and  prosecuting 
any  association  which   may  propose  ends  contrary  to  public 
order,  is  nevertheless  maintained. 

39.  The  right  of  petition  is  exercised  personally,  by  one  or 
several  individuals,  never  in  the  name  of  a  body. 

Petitions  can  be  addressed  either  to  the  executive  or  to  either 
of  the  two  legislative  chambers. 

40.  The  secrecy  of  letters  is  inviolable. 


70  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

The  law  determines  who  are  the  agents  responsible  for  the 
violation  of  the  secrecy  of  letters  confided  to  the  post. 

41.  The  use  of  languages  used  in  Hayti,  is  optional ;  it  can 
be  regulated  only  by  law,  and  only  for  the   acts   of  public 
authority,  and  for  judicial  IT  niters. 

42.  Public  debts  contracted  either  at  home  or  abroad,  are 
guaranteed.    The  Constitution  places  them  under  the  safeguard 
and  loyalty  of  the  nation. 

TITLE   III. 

OP   SOVEREIGNTY  AND    THE   EXERCISE   OF    THE    POWERS   DERIVED 
TIIEREFROM. 

43.  National   sovereignty  resides  in  tho  total  number  of 
the  citizens. 

44.  The  exercise  of  this  sovereignty  is  delegated  to  three 
powers. 

Those  three  powers  are :  the  legislative,  the  executive,  and 
the  judicial. 

45.  Each  power  is   independent   of   the   other  two  in  its 
attributes,  which  it  exercises  separately.     None  of  them  can 
delegate  its  authority  or  overstep  the  boundaries  assigned  to  it. 
Each  of  the  three  powers  is  responsible  for  its  own  acts. 

46.  The  legislative  authority  is  exercised  collectively  by  the 
chief  of  the  executive  and  by  two  representative  chambers,  the 
chamber  of  deputies  and  the  senate. 

47.  The  executive  authority  is  delegated  to  one  citizen,  who 
assumes  the  title  of  President  of  Hayti. 

48.  The  judicial  authority  is  exercised  by  a  court  of  appeal, 
and  other  civil  tribunals. 

49.  Each  public  functionary  is  personally  responsible  for  his 
own  acts. 

A  law  will  be  passed  to  regulate  the  mode  of  proceeding 
against  public  functionaries  for  misconduct  during  their 
administration. 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  71 

• 

CHAPTER   I. 

OP   THE   LEGISLATIVE   POWER. 

SECTION  I. 
Of  the  Chamber  of  Representatives. 

50.  The  chamber  of  deputies  is  composed  of  representativea 
from  the  arrondissements  of  the  Republic. 

The  number  of  the  representatives  shall  be  fixed  by  law. 
Each  arrondissement  shall  have  at  least  two  representatives. 

51.  Until  the  law  shall  have  fixed  the  number  of  representa 
tives  to  be   elected  by  the   arrondissements,  this   number  is 
settled  as  follows : 

Five  for  the  arrondissement  of  Port-au-Prince,  three  for  each 
of  the  aiTondissements  which  have  chief  towns  of  departments, 
and  for  those  of  Jacmel  and  Jeremie,  and  two  for  each  of  tho 
other  arrondissements  of  the  Republic. 

52.  The  representatives  are  elected  as  follows  : 

Every  five  years,  from  the  10th  to  20th  January,  the 
primary  assemblies  of  the  communes  meet,  in  conformity  with 
the  electoral  law,  and  name  each  three  electors. 

53.  From  the  1st  to  10th  February,  the  electors  of  the  com 
munes  of  each  arrondissement  meet  in  the  chief  town,  and  form 
an  electoral  college. 

The  college  names,  by  ballot,  and  by  absolute  majority  of 
votes,  the  number  of  representatives  to  be  supplied  by  the 
arrondissement. 

It  names  as  many  substitutes  as  representatives. 

54.  These  substitutes,  by  order  of  nomination,  succeed  the 
representatives  of  the  arrondissement  in  case  of  death,  resigna 
tion,  forfeiture,  or  in  the  case  provided  by  the  article  60. 

55.  The  half  at  least  of  the  representatives  and  substitutes 
shall  be   chosen   among  the  citizens  who  have  their  political 
domicile  in  the  arrondissement. 


72  Constitution  of   Hayti. 

56.  To  be  elected  representative  or  substitute,  it  is  necessary 
to  be  — 

(1.)  Above  the  age  of  25  years. 

(2.)  In  the  enjoyment  of  civil  and  political  rights. 

(3.)  Possessed  of  real  estate  in  Hayti. 

57.  The  naturalized  Haytian  must,  besides  the  conditions 
prescribed  in  the  preceding  article,  prove  a  residence  of  three 
years  in  the  Republic  in  order  to  obtain  election  as  representa 
tive  or  substitute. 

58.  The  functions  of  representative  are  incompatible  with 
those  of  the  administration  of  the  finances. 

•  A  representative  who  exercises  at  the  same  time  another 
function  paid  by  the  State,  cannot  draw  two  salaries  during  the 
session ;  he  must  choose  between  the  two. 

59.  The  judges,  etc.  of  the   civil  courts,   and  the  public 
officers  attached  to  these  courts,  cannot  be  elected  as  representa 
tives  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court  to  which  they  belong. 

The  members  of  the  court  of  appeal,  and  the  public  officers 
attached  to  this  tribunal,  cannot  be  elected  representatives  with 
in  the  jurisdiction  of  the  civil  court  of  Port-au-Prince. 

The  commanders  of  arrondissements  and  their  assistants,  the 
commanders  of  communes  and  their  adjutants,  cannot  be  elected 
representatives  within  the  extent  of  their  arrondissement. 

60.  Any  representative  who   accepts,    during  his  term  of 
service,  an  office  paid  by  the  State,  other  than  that  occupied  by 
him  before  his  election,  ceases  thenceforth  to  be  a  member  of 
the  chamber. 

61.  The  representatives  are  elected  for  five  years. 
The  re-election  is  general. 

They  are  indefinitely  eligible  to  re-election. 

62.  During  the  whole  time  of  the  legislative  session,  every 
representative  will  receive  from  the  public  treasury  a  salary  of 
two  hundred  gourdes  a  month. 

He  is  besides  allowed  one  gourde  per  league,  for  travelling 
expenses,  from  his  commune  to  the  seat  of  government. 


Constitution   of  Hayti.  '73 

SECTION  II. 
Of    the    Senate. 

63.  The  Senate  is  composed  of  thirty-six  members.     They 
are  elected  for  nine  years. 

64.  The  Senators  arc  elected  by  the  chamber  of  representa 
tives  on  the  proposition  of  the  President  of  Ilayti,  as  follows  : 

At  the  session  which  precedes  the  time  of  the  renewal  of  the 
Senators,  the  President  of  Hayti  makes  a  general  list  of  three 
candllates  for  each  Senator  to  be  elected,  which  he  forwards  to 
the  Chamber.  Three  candidates  are  taken  from  amongst  the 
whole  of  the  citizens. 

65.  The  Chamber  of  Representatives  elects,  from  the  candi 
dates  proposed  on  the  general  list,  a  number  of  Senators  equal 
to  that  of  the  Senators  to  be  replaced. 

This  election  is  made  by  ballot,  and  by  absolute  majority  of 
votes. 

66.  The  Chamber  of  Representatives  forwards  to  the  Senate 
a  report  declaring  the  nomination  of  the  Senators,  and  at  the 
same  time  informs  the  President  of  Hayti  of  this  nomination. 

67.  The  Senate  make  known  their  nomination  to  the  elected 
Senators,  and  invites  them  to  appear  and  take  the  oath.     This 
formality  finished,   the  Senate  reports  it  to   the  President  of 
Hayti. 

In  case  of  death,  resignation,  forfeiture,  etc.,  the  Senate  like 
wise  informs  the  President  of  HaJ-ti  and  the  Chamber  of  Rep 
resentatives  of  the  vacancies  to  be  filled  up. 

68.  In  no  case  can  the  sitting  representatives  be  included  in 
the  lists  addressed  to  the  Chamber  by  the  President  of  Hayti. 

69.  In  order  to  be  elected  Senator,  it  is  necessary  to  be  — 
(1.)  Above  30  years  of  age. 

(2.)  In  the  enjoyment  of  civil  and  political  rights. 

(3.)  Possessed  of  real  estate  in  Hayti. 

TO.  The  naturalized  Haytian  must,  besides  the  conditions  pre- 


74  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

scribed  in  the  preceding  article,  prove  a  residence  of  four  years 
in  the  Republic,  in  order  to  obtain  election  as  Senator. 

71.  The  functions  of  Senator  are  incompatible  with  all  other 
public  functions,  except  those  of  Secretary  of  State,  and  of 
Agents  oT  the  Republic  abroad. 

Nevertheless,  a  soldier  may  be  appointed  Senator ;  but  if  he 
accept  the  office,  he  ceases  to  exercise  every  military  function, 
and  must  choose  between  the  emolument  of  Senator  and  that  of 
his  rank. 

72.  Any  Senator  who  accepts,  during  his  term  of  Hrvice, 
the  office  of  Secretary  of   State,  ceases  thenceforth  to  be  a 
member  of  the  Senate,  unless,  offered  again  as  candidate  by  the 
executive,  he  be  re-elected  by  the  Chamber  of  Representatives. 

73.  Every  Senator  receives  from  the  public  treasury  a  salary 
of  two  hundred  gourdes  a  month. 

74.  The  sessions  of  the  Senate  are  permanent.     They  may, 
however,  be  adjourned. at  any  time  except  during  the  legislative 
session. 

75.  On  the  adjournment  of   the  Senate,  a  permanent  com 
mittee  shall  be  left  in  its  place.     This  committee  shall  be  unable 
to  pass  any  resolution  except  for  the  convocation  of  the  Senate. 

SECTION  III. 
Of  the  Exercise  of  Legislative  Power. 

76.  The  seat  of  the  legislative  power  is  the  Capitol  of  the 
Republic. 

Each  Chamber  has  its  own  place  of  meeting. 

77.  The  Chamber  of  Representatives  meets  every  year  on 
the  first  Monday  in  April. 

The  opening  of  its  session  may  be  made  by  the  President  of 
Hayti  in  person. 

78.  The  legislative  session  lasts  three  months.     In  case  of 
need,  it  can  be  prolonged  to  four,  either  by  the  legislative  body 
or  by  the  executive. 

79.  In  the  interval  of  the  sessions,  and  in  case  of  emergency, 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  75 

the  executive  can  convoke  the  Chambers  to  any  extraordinary 


meeting. 


It  gives  them  a  reason  for  this  measure  by  a  message. 
It  can  also,  as  the  case  may  require,  convoke  the  Senate 
alone,  during  its  adjournment. 

80.  The  President  of  Hayti  can  also  prorogue  the  legislative 
session,  provided  it  takes  place  at  another  period,  in  the  same  year. 

81.  The  Chamber  of  Representatives  can  be  dissolved  by  the 
President  of  Hayti ;  but,  in  this  case,  he  is  bound  to  convoke  a 
new  one  within  a  delay  of  three  months  at  the  utmost ;  and  then 
the  elections  must  take  place  according  to  the  requirements  of 
Articles  52  and  53. 

82.  The  Legislative  Chambers  represent  the  entire  nation. 

83.  The  Chamber  of  Representatives  verifies  the  commis 
sions  of  its  members  and  decides  all  controversies  which  may 
arise  on  the  subject. 

The  Senate  likewise  examines  and  decides  whether  the  elec 
tion  of  the  Senators  has  taken  place  in  conformity  to  the  Con 
stitution. 

84.  The  members  of  each  Chamber  take  individually  the 
oath  to  maintain  the  rights  of  the  people,  and  to  be  faithful  to 
the  Constitution. 

85.  The  sittings  of  the"  Chambers  are  public;  nevertheless, 
each  forms  itself  into  a  secret  committee  whenever  it  thinks 
proper. 

The  deliberation  which  arises  in  a  secret  committee  is  made 
public,  if  the  Chamber  so  decides. 

8G.  No  one  can  be  at  the  same  tune  a  member  of  both 
Chambers. 

87.  The  Legislature  makes  laws  on  all  objects  of  public 
interest. 

The  initiative  belongs  to  each  of  the  two  Chambers  and  to 
the  Executive.  Nevertheless,  every  law  relating  to  public  re 
ceipts  and  expenses  must  first  be  voted  by  the  Chamber  of  Rep 
resentatives. 


76  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

88.  The  authoritative  interpretation  of  the  laws  is  given  in 
the  ordinary  form  of  laws. 

89.  Neither  of  the  two  Chambers  can  pass  any  resolution, 
unless  an  absolute  majority  of  its  members  be  assembled. 

90.  Every  resolution  is  passed  by  the  absolute  majority  of 
votes,  except  in  cases  denned  by  the  Constitution. 

91.  The  votes  are  taken  by  the  Senators  rising  or  remaining 
seated.     In  case  of  doubt,  the  roll  is  called,  and  the  votes  are 
then  recorded  by  Yes  or  No. 

92.  Each  Chamber  has  the  right  of  inquiry  into  all  things 
appertaining  to  it. 

93.  No  project  of  law*  can  be  adopted  by  one  of  the  Cham 
bers,  until  each  separate  article  of  it  has  been  passed. 

94.  Each  Chamber  has  the  right  to  amend  and  divide  the 
articles  and  amendments  proposed. 

An  amendment  voted  by  one  Chamber  can  be  included  in  the 
articles  of  the  law,  only  when  it  shall  have  been  adopted -by  the 
other  Chamber. 

The  organs  of  the  Executive  have  the  power  to  propose 
amendments  to  projects  under  discussion  by  virtue  of  the  initia 
tive  possessed  by  the  Chambers. 

95.  Every  law  passed  by  the  two  Chambers  is  immediately 
forwarded  to  the  Executive,  which  has  the  right  to  object  thereto. 

When  objections  are  made,  the  law  is  sent  back  to  the  Cham 
ber  in  which  it  was  first  voted,  and  the  objections  notified.  If 
they  are  approved,  the  law  is  amended  by  the  two  Chambers, 
and  promulgated  by  the  Executive. 

96.  If  the  Executive  makes  objections  to  a  law  adopted  by 
the  two  Chambers,  and  if  these  objections  are  not  approved  by 
these  Chambers,  or  by  one  of  them,  the  Executive  has  a  right  to 
refuse  its  sanction  to  the  law. 

Nevertheless,  if  a  dissolution  of  the  Chamber  of  Representa 
tives  should  happen  thereon,  and  if  the  same  law  were  again 
voted  by  the  two  Chambers,  the  Executive  would  be  bound  to 
promulgate  it. 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  77 

97.  The  approval  of  objections,  and  the  amendments  to  which 
they  may  give  rise,    are   passed  by  the  absolute  majority,  in 
conformity  with  the  Article  90. 

98.  The  right  of  objection  must  be  exercised  within  the  fol 
lowing  delay,  namely :  — 

(1.)  Within  eight  days,  for  laws  of  emergency,  without  the 
objection  being  in  any  case  grounded  on  the  emergency. 

(2.)  Within  fifteen  days  for  other  laws. 

But,  if  the  session  be  closed  before  the  expiration  of  this 
latter  delay,  the  law  remains  adjourned. 

99.  If,  within  the  delay  prescribed  by  the  preceding  article, 
the  Executive  make  no  objection,  the  law  must  be  immediately 
promulgated. 

100.  A  project  of  law,  rejected  by  one  of  the  Chambers,  or 
by  the  Executive,  cannot  be  reproduced  in  the  same  session. 

101.  The  laws  and  other  acts  of  the  legislative  body  are 
rendered  official  by  means  of  a  bulletin  printed  and  numbered, 
entitled  bulletin  of  laws. 

102.  The  law  dates  from  the  day  of  its  promulgation. 

103.  The  Chambers  correspond  with  the  President  of  Ilayti, 
in  all  matters  concerning  the  administration  of  public  affairs ; 
but  they  cannot,  in  any  case,  call  him  to  their  bar,  to  account 
for  any  act  of  his  administration. 

104.  The  Chambers  correspond  likewise  with  the  Secretaries  of 
State,  and  with  each  other  in  the  cases  prescribed  by  the  Con 
stitution. 

105.  To  the  Senate  alone  appertains  the  right  of  naming  the 
President  of  Hayti.     This  nomination  is  made  by  election  by 
ballot,  and  by  a  majority  of  two  thirds  of  the  members  present 
in  the  assembly. 

106.  In  case   the   office  of  President  of  Hayti  should  be 
come  vacant,  during  the  adjournment  of  the  Senate,  its  perma 
nent  committee  shall  summon  it  to  meet  without  delay. 

7* 


78  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

107.  The  Senate   has   the  right  of  approving  or  rejecting 
treaties  of  peace,  alliance,  neutrality,  commerce,  and  other  in 
ternational  conventions  agreed  to  by  the  Executive. 

Nevertheless,  all  treaties  stipulating  sums  chargeable  to  the 
Republic,  must  be  likewise  submitted  to  the  sanction  of  the 
Chamber  of  Representatives. 

108.  The  Senate  gives  or  refuses  its  approbation  to  projects 
of  declaration  of  war  submitted  to  it  by  the  Executive. 

It  can,  under  serious  circumstances,  and  upon  the  proposal 
of  the  Executive,  authorize  the  momentary  removal  of  the  seat 
of  government  to  another  place  than  the  capital. 

109.  No  one  can  present  petitions  in  person  to  the  Cham 
bers. 

Each  Chamber  has  the  right  to  refer  to  the  Secretaries  of 
State  the  petitions  addressed  to  it.  The  Secretaries  of  State 
may  be  invited  to  explain  their  contents,  if  the  Chamber  think 
fit,  and  if  the  Secretaries  of  State,  being  called  upon,  do  not 
consider  such  publicity  likely  to  compromise  the  interest  of  the 
State. 

110.  The  members  of  the  legislative  body  cannot  be  excluded 
from  the  Chamber  to  which  they  belong,  or  at  any  time  called 
to  account,  accused,  or  tried,  for  opinions  or  votes  pronounced 
by  them  in  the  exercise  of  their  functions. 

111.  No  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Representatives  can  be 
arrested,  during  the  session,  or  within  the  six  weeks  which  shall 
precede  or  follow  it. 

Within  the  same  delay,  no  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Rep 
resentatives  can  be  prosecuted  or  arrested  for  matters  criminal, 
correctional,  or  of  police,  (except  in  case  of  notorious  criminal 
offence,)  until  the  Chamber  shall  have  permitted  his  prosecu 
tion. 

112.  No  Senator  is  liable  to  apprehension  during  his  con 
tinuance  in  office. 

A  Senator  cannot  be  prosecuted  or  arrested  for  matters  crimi 
nal,  correctional,  or  of  police,  while  in  office,  (except  in  case 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  79 

of  notorious  criminal  offence,)   until  the  authorization  of  the 
Senate  be  obtained. 

113.  If  a  member  of  the  legislative  body  be  apprehended, 
(in  a  case  of  notorious  criminal  offence,)  the  opinion  of  the 
Chamber  to  which  he  belongs  is  taken  without  delay. 

114.  In  criminal  cases,  inducing  punishment  both  corporal 
and  ignominious,  every  member  of  the  legislative  body  is  placed 
under  accusation  by  the  Chamber  to  which  he  belongs. 

115.  The  Senate  forms  itself  into  a  high  court  of  justice  to 
decide  on  accusations  made  against  members  of  the  legislative 
body,   against  Secretaries  of  State,  or  any  other  great  public 
functionaries. 

The  form  of  procedure  before  the  high  court  of  justice,  will 
be  determined  by  a  law. 

116.  Each  Chamber,  by  its  by-laws,  settles  its  own  disci 
pline,  and  defines  the  manner  according  to  which  it  discharges 
its  duties  and  exercises  its  privileges. 

CHAPTER  II. 

OF      THE      EXECUTIVE. 

SECTION  I. 
Of  the  President  of  Hayti. 

117.  The  President  of  Hayti  is  elected  for  life. 

118.  In  order  to  be  elected  President  of  Hayti,  it  is  neces 
sary  — 

(1.)  To  be  born  in  Hayti. 

(2.)  To  have  attained  the  age  of  35  years. 

(3.)  To  be  possessed  of  real  estate  in  Hayti. 

119.  In  case   of  vacancy  through  the  death,  resignation,  or 
forfeiture  of  the  President  of  Ilayti,  the  Secretaries  of  State, 
assembled  in  council,  exercise,  on  their  own  responsibility,  the 
executive  power. 

If  the  President  happen  to  be  unable  to  exercise  his  funo 


80  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

tions,  the  Council  of  Secretaries  of  State  is  charged  with  the 
executive  authority  so  long  as  the  hindrance  shall  last. 

120.  Before  entering  on  his  duties,  the  President  of  Hayti 
takes  before  the  Senate  the  following  oath : 

' '  I  swear  to  the  nation  to  discharge  faithfully  the  duties  of 
President  of  Hayti ;  to  maintain  with  all  my  might  the  Con 
stitution  and  the  laws  of  the  Haytian  people ;  to  enforce  the 
respect  due  to  the  national  independence  and  the  integrity  of 
the  territory." 

121.  The  President  causes  to  be  attached  to  the  laws  and 
other  acts  of  the  legislative  body,  the  seal  of  the  Republic,  and 
sees  that  they  be  promulgated  after  the  delays  fixed  by  Articles 
95,  96,  98,  and  99. 

122.  The  promulgation  of  the  laws,  and  other  acts  of  the 
legislative  body,  is  in  these  terms : 

"In  the  name  of  the  Republic,  —  * 

"  The  President  of  Hayti  directs  that  the  above  (law  or  act) 

of  the  legislative  body  be  stamped  with  the  seal  of  the  Repub- 

lie,  published,  and  executed." 

123.  The  President  causes  to  be  enacted  the  laws  or  other 
acts  of  the  legislative  body  promulgated  by  him. 

He  makes  all  the  regulations,  decrees,  and  proclamations 
necessary  to  this  effect. 

124.  The  President  names  and  dismisses  the  Secretaries  of 
State. 

He  names  and , dismisses,  also,  the  agents  representing  the 
Republic  to  foreign  powers  and  governments. 

125.  He  names  all  civil  and  military  functionaries,  and  fixes 
their  places  of  residence,  if  not  already  done  so  by  law. 

He  ctismisses  removable  functionaries. 

126.  The  President  of  Hayti  commands  and  directs  the 
forces  by  land  and  sea,  and  confers  rank  in  the  army,  according 
to  the  law. 

127.  He  makes  treaties  of  peace,  alliance,  neutrality,  com 
merce,  and  other  international  conventions,  with  the  sanction  of 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  81 

the  Senate,  and  that  of  the  Chamber  of  Representatives  in  the 
cases  fixed  "by  the  Constitution. 

He  proposes  to  the  Senate  declarations  of  war  when  circum 
stances  appear  to  demand  it.  If  the  Senate  approve  these  pro 
jects,  the  President  of  Hayti  declares  war. 

128.  The  President  of  Hayti  provides,  according  to  law,  for 
the  exterior  and  interior  security  of  the  State. 

Every  measure  taken  by  the  President  is  previously  discussed 
in  the  council  of  Secretaries  of  State. 

129.  The  President  of  Hayti  has  the  right  to  pardon  and  to 
commute  sentences.    The  exercise  of  this  right  shall  be  fixed  by 
law. 

He  can  also  exercise  the  right  of  amnesty,  but  for  political 
offences  only. ' 

130.  No  act  of  the  President  can  have  effect  unless  counter 
signed  by  ono  Secretary  of  State,  who,  by  this  alone,  makes 
himself  responsible. 

131.  At  the  opening  of  each  session,  the  President,  through 
the  Secretaries  of  State,  presents  to  the  Senate  and  the  Chamber 
of  Representatives  the  general  situation  of  the  Republic,  as  well 
exterior  as  interior. 

132.  The   President   of  Hayti   receives  from  the   publio 
treasury  an  annual  salary  of  forty  thousand  gourdes. 

He  resides  at  the  national  palace  of  the  capital. 

SECTION  II. 
Of  the  Secretaries  of  State. 

133.  There  are  four  Secretaries  of  State,  whose  departments 
are  fixed  by  the  decree  calling  them  to  office. 

The  attributes  of  each  department  are  determined  by  law. 

134.  The  Secretaries  of  State  compose  a  council  under  the 
presidency  of  the  President  of  Hayti,  or  of  one  of  their  number 
delegated  to  that  office  by  the  President. 

Every  deliberation  is  recorded  on  a  register,  and  signed  by 
the  members  of  the  council. 


8l  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

135.  They  have  right  of  entrance  in  both  the  Chambers  to 
support  projects  of  laws  and  objections  from  the  Executive,  or  to 
make  any  other  communication  from  Government. 

136.  The  Chambers  can  require  the  presence  of  the  Secreta 
ries  of  State,  and  can  summon  them  to  answer  for  every  act  of 
their  administration. 

The  Secretaries  of  State  thus  summoned,  are  bound  to  enter 
into  explanations,  unless  they  consider  such  a  course  liable  to 
compromise  the  interest  of  the  State. 

137.  The  Secretaries  of  State  are  respectively  responsible,  as 
much  for  the  acts  of  the  President  which  they  countersign,  as 
for  those  of  their  department,  as  also  for  the  non-execution  of 
the  laws. 

In  no  case  can  the  verbal  or  written  order  of  the  President, 
received  by  a  Secretary  of  State,  relieve  this  latter  from  respon 
sibility. 

138.  The  Chamber  of  Representatives  has  the  right  of  accus 
ing  the  Secretaries  of  State.     If  the  accusation  is  admitted  by 
two  thirds  of  the  votes,  they  are  cited  before  the  Senate,  which 
then  forms  itself  into  a  high  court  of  justice. 

139.  Each  Secretary  of  State  enjoys  an  annual  salary  of  five 
thousand  gourdes. 

Travelling  expenses  are  allowed  them  by  law. 

SECTION  III. 
Of  the  Institutions  of  Arrondissements  and  Communes. 

140.  A  council  for  each  arrondissement,  and  a  council  for 
each  commune,  are  hereby  established. 

These  institutions  are  regulated  by  law. 

CHAPTER  III. 

OF    THE   JUDICIAL    POWER. 

141.  Litigations  which  have  for  their  object  some  civil  right 
are  exclusively  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  tribunals. 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  83 

142.  Litigations  which  have  for  their  object  political  rights 
arc  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  tribunals,  save  the  exceptions 
established  by  law. 

143.  No  tribunal,  nor  other  court  for  the  settlement  of  dis 
putes,  can  be  established  but  by  virtue  of  a  law. 

No   extraordinary  commission   or  tribunal   can  be    created 
under  any  denomination  whatsoever. 

•    144.  There  is,  for  all  the  Republic,  a  Court  of  Appeal,  the 
organization  and  attributes  of  which  are  determined  by  law. 

The  Court  of  Appeal  has  its  sittings  in  the  capital. 

145.  The  law  determines,   likewise,  the  organization   and 
attributes  of  the  other  tribunals. 

146.  The  judges  cannot  be  dismissed  except  for  offence  of 
bribery  legally  tried,  nor   suspended   except  on  account  of  an 
approved  accusation. 

Nevertheless,  the  justices  of  the  peace  are  liable  to  be  dis 
missed. 

147.  Every  judge  may  be  called  upon  to  urge  his  claims  to 
superannuation,  if  he  be  in  the  conditions  stipulated  by  law  on 
the  matter. 

148.  No  one  can  be  named  judge  or  judicial  officer  unless 
4ie  have  attained  the  age  of  thirty  years  for  the  Court  of  Appeal, 

and  of  twenty-five  years  for  the  other  tribunals. 

149.  The  President  of  Hayti  appoints  and  dismisses  the  judi 
cial  officers  attached  to  the  Court  of  Appeal  and  the  other  tri 
bunals. 

150.  The  functions  of  judge  are  incompatible  with  any  other 
public  function,  except  those  of  representative. 

Incompatibility,  by  reason  of  relationship,  is  settled  by  law. 

151.  The  salaries  of  the  members  of  the  judicial  body  are 
fixed  by  law. 

152.  Tribunals  of   commerce  can  be  established.     The  law 
regulates  their  organization,  their  attributes,  and  the  time  of  ser 
vice  for  their  members. 

153.  Special  laws  regulate  the  organization  of  the  military 


84  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

tribunals,  their  attributes,  the  rights  and  obligations  of  the  mem 
bers  of  these  tribunals,  and  their  length  of  service. 

154.  The  sittings  of  the  tribunals  are  public,  unless  such 
publicity  endangers  public  order  and  good  morals ;  in  this  case, 
the  tribunal  declare  this  by  a  decree. 

155.  The  law  regulates  the  mode  of  proceeding  against  the 
judges,  in  case  of  crimes  or  offences  by  them  committed,  either 
in  the  exercise  of  their  functions  or  otherwise. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  THE  PRIMARY  ASSEMBLIES  OF  COMMUNES,  AND  OF  THE  ELEC 
TORAL  COLLEGES  OF  ARRONDISSEMENTS. 

156.  Every  citizen  above  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  has  the 
right  of  vote  in  the  primary  assemblies,  if  he  be  moreover  a 
landed  proprietor,  if  he  have  the  cultivation  of  a  farm,  or  if  he 
practise  a  profession,  fill  a  public  office,  or  follow  any  business 
denned  by  the  electoral  laws. 

157.  To  be  a  member  of  the  electoral  colleges,  it  is  neces 
sary  to  be  twenty-five  years  of  age,  and  be,  besides,  in  one  of 
the  other  positions  mentioned  in  the  preceding  article. 

158.  The  primary  assemblies  have  the  right  of  meeting,  tyfc 
virtue  of  Article  52  of  the  Constitution,  or  on  the  convocation 
of  the  President  of  Hayti,  in  the  case  mentioned  in  Article  81. 

Their  object  is  to  appoint  electors. 

159.  The  electoral  colleges  meet  likewise  in  their  own  right, 
by  virtue  of  Article  53  of  the  Constitution,  or  on  the  convoca 
tion  of  the  President  of  Hayti,  in  the  case  laid  down  in  Article 
81. 

Their  object*  is  to  name  the  representatives  and  their  substi 
tutes. 

160.  The  meeting  of  two  thirds  of  the  electors  of  an  arron- 
dissement  constitute  an  electoral  college,   and  all  elections  are 
decided  by  the  absolute  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  members 
present  and  by  ballot. 


Constitution  of  .Hayti.  85 

161.  The  primary  assemblies  and  the  electoral  colleges  can 
have  no  other  object  but  the  elections  respectively  assigned  to 
them  by  the  Constitution. 

They  are  bound  to  dissolve  when  this  is  accomplished. 

TITLE  IY. 

OF     TIIE    FINANCES. 

162.  No  tax  for  the  benefit  of  the  State  can  be  established, 
but  by  law. 

Taxes  for  the  use  of  communes  and  arrondissements  are 
established  by  special  laws. 

163.  No  privileges  can  be  granted  in  the  matter  of  taxes. 
No  exception  or  abatement  of  taxes  can  be  established,  except 

by  a  law. 

164.  Except  in  cases  formally  excepted  by  law,  no  contribu 
tion  can  be  levied  from  the  citizens,  unless  as  a  tax  for  the  use 
of  the  State,  of  the  arrondissement,  or  of  the  commune. 

165.  No  pension,  no  gratuity,  chargeable  to  the'public  treas 
ury,  can  be  granted,  except  in  accordance  with  a  law. 

166.  The  budget  of  each  Secretary  of  State  is  divided  into 
chapters.     No  sum  allowed  for  one  chapter  can  be  carried  to  the 
credit  of  another,  and  employed  for  other  expenses,  without  a 
kw. 

167.  Every  year,  the  Chambers  decree,  1st.  The  account  of 
receipts  and  expenses  during  the  ^fear  or  preceding  years,  for 
each  department  separate ;  2d.  The  general  budget  of  the  State 
containing  details  of  the  receipts,  and  the  funds  assigned  for  the 
year  to  each  Secretary  of  State. 

Nevertheless,  no  motion,  no  amendment,  can  be  introduced 
into  the  budget,  to  the  end  of  reducing  or  augmenting  the  sala 
ries  of  the  public  functionaries,  and  the  pay  of  the  soldiers, 
already  paid  by  special  laws. 

168.  The  Chamber  of  Accounts  is  composed  of  a  certain 
number  of  members  fixed  by  law. 

8 


86  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

They  are  named  by  the  President  of  Hayti,  and  hold  office 
at  his  will.  The  organization  and  attributes  of  the  Chamber 
of  Accounts,  are  fixed  by  law. 

169.  The  law  settles  the  standard,  the  weight,  the  value,  the 
stamp,  the  effigy,  and  the  denomination  of  the  currencies. 

TITLE  Y. 

OF    THE    PUBLIC     FORCES. 

170.  The  public  force  is  raised  to  defend  the  State  against 
exterior  enemies,  and  to  insure  at  home  the  maintenance  of 
order  and  the  execution  of  the  laws. 

171.  The  army  is  essentially  obedient,  —no  armed  body  can 
deliberate. 

172.  The  army  is  placed  on  peace  or  war  footing,  as  occasion 
requires. 

No  one  can  receive  soldier's  pay  unless  he  serve  in  the  army. 

173.  The  mode  of  recruiting  for  the  army  is  fixed  by  law. 
It  regulates,  likewise,  the  promotion,  the  rights  and  obliga 
tions  of  the  soldiers. 

174.  No  privileged  corps  can  ever  be  created ;  but  the  Presi 
dent  of  Hayti  has  a  special  guard,  subject  to  the  same  military 
rules  as  the  other  corps  of  the  army. 

175.  The  national  guard  is  organized  by  law. 

It  can  be  mobilized,  entirely  or  in  part,  only  in  tke  case  men 
tioned  in  the  law  or  its  organization. 

176.  Soldiers  cannot  be  deprived  of  their  rank,  honors,  and 
pensions,  but  in  the  manner  fixed  by  law. 

TITLE  VI. 

GENERAL    MEASURES. 

177.  The    national    colors    are    blue    and    red,    placed 
horizontally. 

The  arms  of  the  Republic  are  the  Palm-tree,  crowned  with 
the  cap  of  Liberty,  and  ornamented  with  a  trophy  of  arms,  with 
the  motto,  V  union  fait  la  force,  (union  is  strength.) 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  87 

178.  The   town   of   Port-au-Prince   is    the    capital   of  tho 
Republic  and  the  seat  of  government. 

179.  No  oath  can  be  administered  except  by  virtue  of  the 
law.     The  form  thereof  is  fixed  by  law. 

180.  Every  foreigner  who  happens  to  be  on  the  territory  of 
the  Republic,  enjoys  the  protection  given  to  persons  and  goods, 
save  the  exceptions  established  by  law. 

181.  The  law  establishes  a  uniform  system  of  weights  and 
measures. 

182.  The  national  holidays  are,  that  of  the  Independence, 
the  1st  January ;  that  of  Alexander  Petion,  the  2d  April ; 
that  of  Agriculture,  the  1st  May ;  that  of  Philip  Guerrier,  the 
30th  June. 

The  legal  festivals  are  fixed  by  law. 

183.  No  law,  no  decree,  or  regulation  of  public  administra 
tion  is  binding,  until  published  in  the  form  prescribed  by  law. 

184.  No  place,  no  part  of  the  Territory,  can  be  declared  in 
a  state  of  siege,  except  in  case  of  civil  troubles,  or  of  invasion 
impending,  or  effected,  on  the  part  of  a  foreign  force. 

This  declaration  is  to  be  made  by  the  President  of  Hayti, 
and  must  be  countersigned  by  all  the  Secretaries  of  State. 

185.  The  Constitution  cannot  be  suspended,  either  in  whole 
or  in  part. 

TITLE  VII. 

OP   TIIE   REVISION    OF   THE    CONSTITUTION. 

186.  If  experience  demonstrate  the  inconvenience  of  some 
of  the  measures  of  the   Constitution,  the  proposal  of  a  revision 
of  these  measures  can  be  made  in  the*  usual  form  of  the  laws. 

187.  If  t]jp  Executive  and  the  two  Chambers  agree  upon  the 
changes  proposed  in  one  session,  the  discussion  of  them  shall 
be  deferred  to  the  session  of  the  following   year.     And  if,  in 
this  second   session,  the   two  Chambers   again  agree  with  the 
Executive  upon  the  proposed  changes,  the  new  decrees  adopted 


88  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

shall  be  published  in  the  usual  form  of  the  laws,  as  articles  of 
the  Constitution. 

188.  No  motion  of  revision  can  be  carried  out,  no  change  in 
the  Constitution  can  be  adopted  by  the  two  Chambers,  unless 
on  a  majority  of  two  thirds  of  the  votes. 

TITLE  vrn. 

TRANSITOBY   MEASLES. 

189.  The  existing  members  of  the  Senate  are  maintained  in 
office,  as  follows :  — 

One  third  for  three  years ;  one  third  for  six  years  ;  one  third 
for  nine  years. 

This  decree  shall  be  executed  by  the  Senate,  by  the  drawing 
of  lots  at  a  public  sitting. 

190.  In  future,  every  Senator  shall  be  elected  by  the  Chamber 
of  Representatives,  for  nine  years,  in  accordance  with  Article 
63  of  the  Constitution. 

191.  The  formation  of  the  Chamber  of  Representatives  shall 
take  place,  for  the  first  time  only,  as  follows  :  — 

The  President  of  Hayti  shall  forward  to  the  Senate  a  general 
list  of  three  candidates  for  each  Representative,  and  each  sub 
stitute  to  be  elected  for  each  arrondissement. 

The  Senate  shall  elect,  from  among  the  candidates  named  in 
the  general  list,  the  numbers  of  Representatives  and  substitutes 
fixed  by  Articles  51  and  53  of  the  Constitution. 

192.  In  the  session  of  1847,  there  shall  be  proposed  to  the 
legislature :  — 

(1.)  A  law  regulating  the  mode  of  proceeding  against  pub 
lic  functionaries,  for  misdeeds  committed  by  ther%  during  their 
administration. 

(2.)  A  law  regulating  the  form  of  proceeding  before  the 
high  court  of  justice. 

(3.)  A  law  regulating  the  exercise  of  the  right  of  pardon 
and  of  commutation  of  sentences. 


Constitution  of  Hayti.  89 


(4.)  A  law  regulating  the  retirement  of  judges. 

(5.)  A  law  fixing  the  attributes  of  the  Secretaries  of  State. 

193.  The  present  Constitution  shall  be  published  and  exe 
cuted  throughout  all  the  extent  of  the  Republic. 

The  codes  of  laws,  civil,  commercial,  penal,  and  of  criminal 
prosecution,  together  with  all  other  laws  thereto  relating,  are 
maintained  in  force  until  they  be  legally  repealed. 

All  measures  of  laws,  decrees,  resolutions,  regulations,  and 
other  acts,  which  are  contrary  to  the  present  Constitution,  are 
hereby  annulled. 

Given  at  the  National  House  of  Port-au-Prince,  the  14th 
day  of  November,  1846,  in  the  43d  year  of  the  Independence 
of  Hayti. 

LAW  MODIFYING    THE   CONSTITUTION  OF   THE 
FOURTEENTH  OF  NOVEMBER,   1846. 

The  legislative  body,  availing  itself  of  the  "initiative"  con 
ferred  by  Article  87  of  the  Constitution, 

Seeing  the  decree  of  the  Committee  of  GonaTves,  dated  the 
23d  December,  1858,  which  revives,  with  modifications,  the 
Constitution  of  1846, 

Considering  the  importance  of  making  these  modifications 
without  delay,  has  passed  unanimously  the  following  laws  :  — 

ARTICLE  1.  The  Articles  62,  71,  73,  111,  132,  133,  139, 
167,  and  182,  are  modified  in  the  following  manner : 

ART.  62.  During  the  legislative  session,  each  Representative 
receives  from  the  public  treasury,  a  monthly  salary,  the  amount 
of  which  will  be  fixed  by  law. 

Another  law  shall  likewise  fix  the  amount  to  be  allowed  to 
each  Representative  for  travelling  expenses,  from  his  commune 
to  the  seat  of  government. 

ART.  71.  The  duties  of  Senator  cannot  be  discharged  by  any 
one  who  may  have  other  public  duties  devolving  upon  him. 

8* 


90  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

Nevertheless,  a  soldier  may  be  elected  Senator,  "but  thence 
forth  he  ceases  to  exercise  any  military  duty. 

ART.  73.  Each  Senator  receives  from  the  public  treasury  a 
salary,  the  amount  of  which  is  fixed  by  law. 

ART.  111.  No  Representative  of  the  people  can  be  imprisoned 
during  the  time  that  he  holds  his  commission. 

Nevertheless,  if  a  Representative  discharge  any  public  duty 
after  the  session,  he  can  be  prosecuted  for  acts  of  which  he  may 
be  guilty,  and  that  before  the  ordinary  tribunals. 

ART.  132.  The  President  of  Hayti  receives  from  the  public 
treasury  a  salary,  the  amount  of  which  is  fixed  by  law. 

He  resides  at  the  National  Palace  at  the  capital. 

ART.  133.  There  will  be  from  four  to  seven  Secretaries  of 
State,  as  the  President  of  Hayti  may  judge  necessary.  Their 
departments  will  be  fixed  by  the  decree  containing  their  nomi 
nation. 

The  duties  of  each  department  are  determined  by  law. 

ART.  139.  Each  Secretary  of  State  will  receive  an  annual 
salary,  the  amount  of  which  will  be  fixed  by  law. 

The  amount  of  travelling  expenses  to  be  allowed  to  the 
Secretaries  of  State  shall  likewise  be  determined. 

ART.  167.  Each  year  the  Chambers  pass  :  1.  The  account  of 
receipts  and  expenses,  accompanied  by  vouchers  of  the  preced 
ing  year  for  each  department  separately ;  2.  The  general  budget 
of  the  State,  containing  the  statement  of  income,  and  the 
moneys  proposed  to  be  allotted  for  the  year  to  each  Secretary  of 
State,  for  the  business  of  his  department. 

Nevertheless,  no  proposal,  no  amendment  can  be  introduced 
into  the  budget  to  the  end  of  reducing,  or  augmenting  the 
salaries  of  the  public  functionaries,  and  the  pay  of  the  soldiers, 
already  fixed  by  law. 

ART.  182.  The  National  holidays  are :  that  of  the  Inde 
pendence  of  Hayti,  the  1st  January ;  that  of  T.  T.  Dessalines, 
the  2d  January ;  that  of  Alexander  Petion,  the  2d  April ;  that 
of  Agriculture,  the  1st  May;  that  of  Philip  Guerrier,  the 


Constitution  of  Hayti. 


30th  June  ;  that  of  the  Restoration  of  the  Republic,  the  22d 
December. 

ART.  2.  The  Articles  189,  190,  and  191,  of  the  same  Con 
stitution,  are  suppressed  ;  the  Article  192,  which  by  this  deci 
sion  becomes  189,  is  modified  as  follows  :  — 

ART.  189.  In  the  session  of  1860,  if  not  before,  there  shall 
be  proposed  to  the  legislative  body  : 

(1.)  A  law  regulating  the  mode  of  proceeding  against  pub 
lic  functionaries  for  acts  of  their  administration. 

(2.)  A  law  regulating  the  form  of  procedure  before  the  high 
court  of  justice. 

(3.)  A  law  regulating  the  exercise  of  the  right  of  pardon 
and  the  commutation  of  sentences. 

(4.)  A  law  regulating  the  retirement  of  the  judges. 

ART.  3.  The  Article  193,  which  now  takes  the  No.  190, 
shall  be  drawn  up  as  follows  : 

ART.  190.  The  present  law  shall  be  published  and  executed 
throughout  the  whole  extent  of  the  Republic. 

The  codes  of  civil,  commercial,  and  penal  laws,  those  of 
criminal  prosecution,  and  all  laws  relating  thereto,  are  main 
tained  in  force  until  legally  repealed. 

All  the  provisions  of  laws,  decrees,  resolutions,  regulations, 
and  other  acts  which  are  contrary  to  the  present  Constitution  are 
hereby  annulled. 

Given  at  the  National  House,  at  Port-au-Prince,  the  14th 
day  of  July,  1859,  in  the  50th  year  of  the  Independence. 

The  President  of  the  Senate  .....  HILAIRE  JEAN-PIERRE. 
The  Secretaries  ..............  S.  TOUSSAINT,  B.  INGINAC. 

Given  at  the  Chamber  of  Representatives,  at  Port-au-Prince, 
he  15th  of  July,  1859,  year  56th  of  Independence. 

The  President  of  the  Chamber.  .  PANAYOTY. 

The  Secretaries  ..............  J.  THEBAUD,  B.  GUILLAUME. 


92  Constitution  of  Hayti. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  REPUBLIC, 

The  President  of  Hayti  ordains  that  the  law  subjoined,  of 
the  Legislative  Corps,  be  sealed  with  the  seal  of  the  Republic, 
published,  and  executed. 

Given  at  the  National  Palace  of  Port-au-Prince  the  18th  of 
July,  1856,  year  56th  of  Independence. 

GrEFFRARD. 

BY  THE  PRESIDENT  : 

The  Secretary  of  State,  President  of  the  Council J.  PAUL. 

The  Secretary  of  State,  of  Justice,  and  of  Worships, 
charged  with  the  portfolio  of  the  Interior,  and  of 
Agriculture F.  E.  DtJBOis. 

The  Secretary  of  State,  of  War,  and  of  the  Marine T.  DEJOIE. 

The  Secretary  of  State  of  the  General  Police JH.  LAMOTHE. 

The  Secretary  of  State  of  Finances,  and  of  Commerce. .  VN.  PLESANCE 


III. 

Ctttcr  to         (Etritor. 


LETTER  TO  THE  PRESIDENT. 

PORT-AU-PRINCE,  AUG.  4,  1859. 
His  EXCELLENCY  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  HAYTI: 
In  behalf  of  certain  blacks,  and  persons  of  color  in  the  United  States 
and  the  Canadas,  who  are  desirous  of  emigrating  to  Hayti,  I  respectfully 
ask  replies  to  the  following  questions  : 

I.  Would  Emigrants  be  subject  to  military  duty  ?    If  so,  for  how  long, 
and  what  manner  of  duty  ? 

II.  Would  you  grant  such  Emigrants  perfect  liberty  to  leave  the 
country  whenever  they  desired  to  do  so  ? 

III.  Would  they  be  required,  directly  or  indirectly,  to  support  the 
Roman  Catholic  Religion  if  they  are  not  members  of  the  Catholic 
Church  ? 

IV.  How  long  ere  they  would  be  invested  with  all  the  rights,  civil  and 
political,  of  native-born  Haytians  ? 

V.  Do  you  guarantee  to  such  Emigrants  as  efficient  governmental 
protection  as  is  given  to  the  native  Haytians  ? 

VI.  Is  the  Government  willing  that  such  Emigrants  should  settle  in 
neighborhoods  ?    Is  the  Government  prepared  to  sell  such  tracts,  on  easy 
terms,  to  be  paid  in  instalments,  or  within  a  reasonable  number  of  years, 
and  what  other  facilities  and  Encouragements  will  the  Government  give 
to  introduce  such  an  emigration,  and  such  settlements  of  communities  ? 
I  ask  your  particular  attention  to  this  head,  as,  unless  it  is  satisfactorily 
answered,  it  will  be  impossible  to  induce  an  emigration  of  wealthy  and** 
intelligent  men  from  America. 

VII.  Provided  such  settlements  were  formed,  what  educational  facili 
ties  would  be  extended  them  ? 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c., 

JAMES  REDPATH. 


94  Letter   to   the   Editor. 

REPLY    OF    THE   GOVERNMENT. 

OFFICE  OF  THE  SECRETARY  OF  STATE  OF  FOREIGN  RELATIONS,  1 
PORT-AU-PRINCE,  AUGUST  17,  1859.  ) 

Sir :  I  have  the  privilege  of  transmitting  to  you  the  replies 
to  the  questions  contained  in  your  letter  of  the  4th  instant,  to 
His  Excellency  the  President  of  Hayti,  relative  to  emigration. 

It  is  chiefly  to  the  development  of  Agriculture  in  Hayti,  that 
the  Government  wishes  to  make  this  enterprise  subservient. 

To  that  end  it  is  disposed  to  accord  special  favors  to  persons 
of  that  profession  who  shall  decide  to  emigrate.  To  agricultur 
ists,  and  to  those  who  shall  come  here  with  the  intention  of 
devoting  themselves  to  cultivation,  it  will  accord  the  folio  wing 
advantages : 

First,  It  will  pay  their  passage  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  piastres 
(Spanish  or  American  dollars)  for  each  able-bodied  man  or 
woman  ;  and  at  that  of  eight  piastres  for  children  of  twelve  and 
under,  and  old  persons  beyond  sixty  years. 

Second,  It  will  board  and  lodge  them  for  eight  days,  while 
they  are  seeking  other  accommodations. 

It  may  be  proper  to  explain  here  the  usage  respecting  con 
tracts  which  are  ordinarily  formed  between  agriculturists  and 
proprietors  in  the  country.  The  proprietors  advance  the  lands 
and  works,  (usines,)  the  agriculturists  undertake  the  cultivation 
and  improvements ;  the  produce  is  equally  divided  between  the 
proprietor  and  agriculturist.  The  emigrants  may  each  make 
contracts  if  they  see  fit.  The  emigrants  will  find  land  to  buy 
from  private  individuals.  They  may  also  obtain  it  from  the 
Government,  and  at  a  reasonable  price,  on  easy  terms  of  pay 
ment,  if  the  State  possesses  land  in  the  districts  where  the  emi 
grants  shall  establish  themselves. 

*  The  Government  will  extend  to  them  the  same  protection  as 
to  Haytians  themselves.  For  the  rest,  shortly  after  their  arrival 
in  the  country,  they  can  have  the  same  civil  and  political  rights 
as  the  Haytians ;  for,  according  to  the  civil  code  of  Hayti, 
every  person  descended  from  African  or  Indian  blood,  can, 


Letter   to   the   Editor.  95 

certain  formalities  fulfilled,  become  a  Haytian  after  a  residence 
of  one  year  in  the  country.  The  religious  belief  of  the  emi 
grants,  to  whatever  Christian  sect  they  may  belong,  shall  always 
be  respected.  They  shall  freely  exercise  their  worship.  There 
shall  never  be  occasion  to  call  them  to  defend  the  Roman 
Catholic  religion,  whether  they  believe  it  or  not. 

A  recent  law  fixes  the  term  of  obligatory  military  service  for 
every  Haytian  at  nine  years.  The  citizens  required  for  this 
service  are  designated  by  lot.  The  Government,  as  an  evidence 
of  its  good  intentions  in  favor  of  emigration,  has  resolved  to 
exempt  the  emigrants  from  military  service.  But  this  exemp 
tion  shall  not  extend  to  their  children  when  they  shall  have 
attained  the  prescribed  age  of  drawing  lots. 

The  emigrants  shall  make  a  part  of  the  National  Guard, 
(militia.)  The  National  Guard  meets  only  on  the  first  Sunday 
of  each  month,  and  has  no  exercises  to  make  on  that  day.  In 
case  of  extraordinary  events,  a  more  active  service  may  be 
exacted  of  it.  But  then  it  will  be  a  duty  to  fulfil  for  the  guar 
anty  of  the  general  interests,  and  consequently  of  their  own. 

The  emigrants  will  be  permitted  to  settle  together,  in  each 
locality,  as  much  as  it  shall  be  a  practicable  thing ;  but  they 
shall  not,  therefore,  cease  to  be  subject  to  the  laws  and  author 
ities  of  the  Republic. 

The  present  Government,  which  is  devoting  itself  seriously 
to  spreading  light,  has  founded,  and  will  continue  to  found, 
numerous  primary  schools.  In  these  institutions  instruction  is 
given  cheaply,  and  even  gratuitously,  to  certain  children. 

The  children  of  the  emigrants  shall  enjoy  in  this  respect  the 
I  same  advantages  as  those  of  Haytians. 

Our  laws  deprive  no  one  of  the  privilege  of  leaving  the 
country  if  they  please ;  nevertheless,  the  Haytian  who  abandons 
his  country  in  the  moment  of  imminent  danger  loses  forever 
the  quality  of  citizen.  The  emigrants  who  do  not  wish  to 
remain  in  Hayti  are  free  to  re-embark ;  yet  those  whose  intro- 


96  Letter   to   the   Editor. 

duction  into  the  country  snail  be  at  Government  expense,  can 
leave  only  after  a  residence  of  three  years. 

This,  sir,  is  the  communication  that  I  have  been  charged  to 
make  to  you.  Accept  the  assurance  of  my  distinguished  con 
sideration. 

The  Secretary  of  State  of  Foreign  Relations : 

A.  JEAN  SIMON. 


IV. 

(Hall  for  Emigration. 

MEN  of  our  race  dispersed  in  the  United  States  !  Your  fate, 
your  s&cial  position,  instead  of  ameliorating,  daily  becomes 
worse.  The  chains  of  those  who  are  slaves  are  riveted ;  and 
prejudice,  more  implacable,  perhaps,  than  servitude,  pursues 
and  crushes  down  the  free.  Everything  is  contested  with  us  in 
that  country  in  which,  nevertheless,  they  boast  of  liberty ;  they 
have  invented  a  new  slavery  for  the  free,  who  believed  that  they 
had  now  no  masters ;  it  is  this  humiliating  patronage  which  is 
revolting  to  your  hearts.  Philanthropy,  in  spite  of  its  noble 
efforts,  seems  more  powerless  than  ever  to  lead  your  cause  to 
victory.  Contempt  and  hatred  increase  against  you,  and  the 
people  of  the  United  States  desire  to  eject  you  from  its  bosom. 

Come,  then,  to  us  !  the  doors  of  Hayti  are  open  to  you.  By 
a  happy  coincidence,  which  Providence  seems  to  have  brought 
about  in  your  behalf,  Hayti  has  risen  from  the  long  debasement 
in  which  a  tyrannical  government  had  held  her ;  liberty  is  re 
stored  there.  Come  and  join  us ;  come  and  bring  to  us  a  con 
tingent  of  power,  of  light,  of  labor;  conie,  and 'together  with 
us,  advance  our  own  common  country  in  prosperity.  We  will 
come  by  this  means  to  the  aid  of  the  philanthropists  who  make 
such  generous  efforts  to  break  the  chains  of  those  of  our  breth 
ren  who  are  still  in  slavery. 

Our  institutions  are  liberal.     The  government  is  mild  and 


98  Call   for   Emigration. 

moderate.  Our  soil  is  virgin  and  rich, — we  have  large  tracts 
of  good  land,  nearly  all  uncultivated,  which  only  need  intelli 
gent  workmen  to  till  them.  Everything  assures  you  in  this 
country  of  a  happy  future.  For  those  among  you  who  possess 
capital,  it  will  be  easy  to  find  at  once  a  place  among  us.  The 
country  offers  them  immediate  resources.  They  can  count  on 
the  solicitude  of  the  Government,  and  on  its  special  protection. 
Our  society  is  ready  to  adopt  them,  and  prepares  for  them  a 
fraternal  welcome.  They  will  enjoy  here  all  the  considerations 
that  they  merit ;  they  will  occupy  the  rank  that  their  respecta 
bility  assigns  them, —  all  the  things  that  a  blind  and  barbarous 
prejudice  refuses  to  them  in  countries  inhospitable  to  our  race. 

The  poorer  emigrants  shall  have  the  right  to  all  that  their  sit 
uation  demands.  The  Government  will  provide  for  their  first 
necessities,  and  will  take  the  proper  measures  to  secure  to  them 
a  quiet  and  honorable  asylum,  as  well  as  to  facilitate  for  them 
the  means  of  obtaining  employment. 

It  is  very  natural  that  you  should  ask,  before  coming  to  an 
unknown  country,  what  are  the  facilities  that  will  be  afforded 
to  you,  as  well  for  the  satisfaction  of  your  first  needs,  as  for 
your  definitive  settlement.  This  thought  has  seriously  occupied 
the  Chief  of  the  Republic  and  his  Government. 

I  proceed  to  state  the  determination  to  which  it  has  come  : — 

To  such  of  you  as  are  not  able  to  pay  the  expenses  of  your 
passage,  aid  will  be  given  from  the  public  treasury. 

Agents,  whom  I  shall  presently  appoint  in  the  United  States, 
will  be  charged  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements  in  this 
respect. 

On  their  arrival  here,  the  emigrants  will  find  lodging  gratui 
tously,  where,  during  the  first  few  days,  their  needs  will  be 
provided  for. 

Government  will  occupy  itself  from  this  time  with  providing 
means  to  offer  to  each  person,  on  arrival,  either  on  private 
estates  or  the  public  domains,  sufficiently  remunerative  work. 

Every  individual,  the  issue  of  African  blood,  may,  immedi- 


Call   for   Emigration. 


ately  on  arrival,  declare  his  wish  to  be  naturalized  :  and  after 
one  year's  residence,  he  can  become  a  citizen  of  Hayti,  enjoying 
all  his  civil  and  political  rights. 

The  emigrants  will  be  exempt  from  military  service,  but  their 
children,  when  they  are  of  the  requisite  age,  shall  be  held  to 
perform  the  service  conformably  to  the  laws  of  the  country  ;  that 
is  to  say,  for  a  limited  time,  and  by  the  result  of  conscription. 
[Par  suite  du  tirage  au  sortJ]  This  exception  does  not  con 
stitute,  in  their  favor,  a  modification  of  the  law  on  the  National 
Guard,  of  which  every  citizen  must  form  a  part. 

You  will  have  power,  also,  freely  to  exercise  your  religion. 

I  have  spoken  here  only  of  the  members  of  the  African  race, 
who  groan  in  the  United  States  more  than  elsewhere,  by  reason 
of  the  ignoble  prejudice  of  color;  but  our  sympathies  are 
equally  extended  to  all  those  of  our  origin  who,  throughout  the 
world,  are  bowed  down  under  the  weight  of  the  same  sufferings. 
Let  them  come  to  us  !  The  bosom  of  the  country  is  open  to 
them  also.  I  repeat  it,  they  will  be  able  to  acquire,  either  on 
the  public  or  private  estates,  fertile  lands,  where,  by  the  aid  of 
assiduous  labor,  they  will  find  that  happiness  which,  in  their 
actual  condition,  they  cannot  hope  to  find. 

The  man  whom  God  has  pointed  out  with  his  finger  to  elevate 
the  dignity  of  his  race,  is  found. 

The  hour  of  the  reunion  of  all  the  children  of  Ilayti  is 
sounded  !  Let  them  be  well  convinced  that  Hayti  is  the  bul 
wark  of  their  liberty  ! 

Given  at  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  of  the  Interior,  at 
Port-au-Prince,  the  22d  August,  1859,  Fifty-Sixth  year  of 
Independence. 

The  Secretary  of  State,  of  Justice,  and  of  Worship,  charged 
par  interim,  with  the  portfolio  of  the  Interior  and  of  Agri 
culture.  F.  E.  DUBOIS. 


V. 

to  (Eluc0tton0   3rr0mtcb  b   JlTr. 


PORT-AU-PRINCE,  MARCH  26,  I860. 

WE  are  desirous  to  receive  amongst  us  all  men  of  African 
origin  who  are  willing  to  share  our  fortunes. 

The  reception  given  at  St.  Marc,  to  one  hundred  and  twenty 
emigrants  from  Louisiana,  is  a  proof  of  the  good-will  of  the 
country  people  as  regards  these  persons. 

When  they  arrive  here  they  will  find,  either  to  lease  or  buy, 
from  the  Government  or  private  parties,  fertile  lands  at  a 
reasonable  price.  For  persons  unacquainted  with  the  country, 
and  who  have  to  study  its  peculiarities,  the  system  of  leases  is 
not  to  be  despised,  the  very  small  annual  charge  being  no 
obstacle  to  the  prosperity  of  their  labors.  Besides,  the  govern 
ment  is  authorized  by  law  to  sell  all  national  lands.  They 
possess  a  great  extent  of  land,  in  different  parts  of  the  country, 
and  will  always  place  their  lands  at  the  disposition  of  the  emi 
grants.  The  mode  of  sale  imposed  upon  them  by  law,  in  this 
case,  is,  for  cash.  In  certain  quarters  these  properties  are  suffi 
ciently  extensive  to  allow  of  the  settlement  of  one  hundred 
families  or  more. 

Permission  will  be  granted  to  emigrants  to  buy  land,  on  their 
making  the  declaration  that  they  wish  to  become  Haytians,  and 
on  their  renouncing  every  other  nationality. 

Our  law  authorizes  the  formation  of  two  sorts  of  companies  : 
Copartnerships,  which  do  not  need  any  preliminary  authoriza- 


Answers   to  Questions.  101 

tion,  and  Joint  Stock  Companies,  whose  statutes  would  have  to 
be  submitted  to  the  Government  for  their  approval.  It  deter 
mines  the  conditions  on  which  they  exist,  and  their  mode  of 
action.  Under  the  control  of  this  legislation  companies  could 
be  formed,  either  for  exploring  the  mines,  or  for  the  establish 
ment  of  manufactories,  and  the  Government  would  look  very 
favorably  on  all  serious  undertakings  of  this  sort. 

The  Government  cannot  bind  itself  to  the  adoption  of  a  pro 
tective  tariff.  Manufacturers  would,  however,  have  a  sufficient 
guarantee  in  our  actual  tariff,  whose  mean  rate  for  the  last 
twenty  years  has  been  20  per  cent,  upon  the  value  of  goods  im 
ported.  As  our  fiscal  legislation  derives  its  principal  revenue 
from  the  customs  duties,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  the  exist 
ing  system  will  be  given  up,  for  a  long  time  to  come. 

We  have  no  law  on  Patents.  The  principle,  however,  exists 
in  our  civil  law,  as  regards  literary  property,  and  might,  if  need 
be,  be  developed,  so  as  to  afford  protection  to  inventions. 

Though  the  law  of  the  National  Guard  prescribes  a  monthly 
review  thereof,  on  every  first  Sabbath  in  the  month,  measures 
would  be  taken  not  to  disturb  the  conscientious  scruples  of  the 
members  of  those  churches  which  forbid  such  a  use  of  that  day. 

The  sons  of  emigrants  destined  to  a  religious  career  will  be 
exempted  from  military  service.  There  will  be  no  exception 
made  in  the  case  of  those  who  may  be  engaged  in  secular  pur 
suits  or  professions. 

Provisions  of  all  kinds  being  always  to  be  had  in  abundance, 
there  is  no  need  of  dispensing  with  the  payment  of  the  customs 
duties  on  provisions  for  the  use  of  those  who  may.  arrive. 

Machines,  agricultural  implements,  and  personal  effects,  will 
be  allowed  to  be  brought  into  the  country  free  of  duty.  There 
can  be  no  exception  made  to  the  general  rule  in  such  cases,  as 
regards  the  disposal  of  produce  by  the  emigrant. 

The  Government  will  engage  to  provide  remunerating  labor 
for  honest  and  able,  but  poor  laborers,  who  could  not  imme- 


1O2  Answers  to  Questions. 

diately  purchase  property.  This  they  would  do,  either  by  means 
of  leases  or  partnerships,  or  by  placing  them  in  such  situations 
as,  by  economy  and  good  conduct,  they  could  in  a  few  years 
become  proprietors. 

Lands  for  schools  and  chapels  would  be  given  by  the  State. 

The  emigrants  would  not  be  compelled  to  come  to  Port-au- 
Prince,  but  could  go  directly  to  that  part  of  the  country  which 
they  would  choose. 

They  would,  after  the  settlement  of  a  year  and  a  day  in  the 
Republic,  enjoy  all  the  privileges  of  Ilaytian  citizens. 

To  make  it  easy  for  those  needy  persons  of  African  origin 
who  would  wish  to  emigrate  to  Hayti,  the  Government  has  de 
cided,  since  last  year,  to  pay  their  passage,  at  the  following 
rates :  — 

Fifteen  dollars  Spanish  for  every  able-bodied  man  and  woman. 
Eight  dollars  for  children  under  twelve  years  of  age,  and  for 
aged  persons  above  sixty. 

It  is  well  to  make  known  the  contracts  which  are  usually 
made  in  this  country  between  agricultural  laborers  and  proprie 
tors.  The  proprietors  give  the  land  and  necessary  implements, 
the  others  cultivate  the  }and  and  dispose  of  the  produce.  This 
is  divided  equally  between  the  proprietor  and  the  cultivator. 
The  emigrants  might  enter  into  such  agreements  if  they  saw  fit 
to  do  so. 

The  Government  will  always  respect  the  religious  belief  of 
the  emigrants,  no  matter  to  what  Christian  sect  they  may  be 
long.  They  will  never  be  called  upon  to  defend  the  Roman 
Catholic  religion,  whether  they  follow  it  or  not. 

The  present  Government,  in  its  earnest  desire  to  spread 
knowledge  among  the  people,  has  founded  and  will  yet  found  a 
number  of  primary  schools.  In  these  establishments  instruction 
is  given  cheap,  and  even  gratuitously  to  certain  children.  The 
children  of  emigrants  will  enjoy  in  this  respect  the  same 
privileges  as  Ilaytian  children. 

Our  laws  do  nc-jb,  take  away  from  any  jone  the  power  to  leave 


Answers  to  Questions.  103 

the  country  when  he  pleases.  Nevertheless,  the  Haytian  who 
abandons  his  country  in  times  of  imminent  danger,  loses  forever 
the  right  of  citizenship.  Those  emigrants  who  do  not  care  to 
remain  in  Hayti  will  be  free  to  go  back  again.  Those,  how 
ever,  whose  passage  the  Government  may  have  paid,  will  not 
be  able  to  leave  the  country  until  after  three  years'  residence. 

These,  sir,  are  the  communications  which  I  am  commissioned 
to  make  to  you. 

The  Secretary  of  State  of  the  Interior  and  of  Agriculture, 
(Signed)  Fs.  JN.  JOSEPH. 


VI. 

tkcant    C-anbs. 

OFFICE  OF  THE  SECRETARY  OF  STATE  OB  THE  INTERIOR  AND  "> 
OF  AGRICULTURE,  SECTION  OF  THE  INTERIOR.     £ 

REPORT. 

MHO  His  EXCELLENCY  THE  PRESIDENT  OP  HAYTI: 
•^  President: — I  believe  tlie  time  has  come  to  submit  to  your 
Excellency  the  result  of  the  labors  undertaken  by  your  order  on 
the  question  of  Emigration  into  our  country  of  men  of  our  race. 
After  having  examined,  from  different  points  of  view,  this 
important  subject,  it  is  time  to  substitute  action  for  preliminary 
studies,  and  the  more  so  that  definitive  questions  are  now  pro 
posed  to  the  Government  of  the  Republic.  Men  who  have 
appreciated  the  riches  of  our  soil,  the  mildness  of  our  national 
manners,  the  working  of  our  institutions,  the  good  intentions  of 
your  Excellency,  desire  to  put  their  hands  to  the  work.  Direct 
propositions  have  been  addressed  to  us ;  demands  for  informa 
tion  have  been  made  of  us;  time  presses;  they  ought  to  be  re 
plied  to. 

On  the  other  hand,  we  ought  to  state  that  in  all  that  portion 
of  our  hemisphere  which  extends  from  the  rivers  St.  Lawrence 
to  Orinoco,  a  work  of  expulsion  of  populations  is  in  prog 
ress,  to  which  we  ought  not  to  remain  inattentive.  To  profit  by 
this  movement  in  welcoming  men  of  our  blood,  the  victims  of 
these  outrageous  persecutions,  is  to  continue  the  work  of  reha- 


Vacant    Lands.  105 


bilitation  undertaken  by  the  Founders  of  the  Republic,  and  to 
remain  faithful  to  the  National  Traditions. 

I  will,  firstly,  place  under  your  eyes  what  has  been  done  by 
my  predecessors  and  by  myself  to  advance  this  question  to  a 
practical  result ;  and  then  I  will  submit  to  your  Excellency  the 
conclusions  which  it  seems  to  me  proper  to  adopt. 

On  the  22d  of  August,  1859, 'the  Government,  by  a  circular 
of  the  Secretary  of  State  of  the  Interior  and  of  Agriculture, 
made  an  appeal  to  all  persons  of  our  race  who  suffer  from  the 
prejudice  of  color.  Hayti  offers  them  a  refuge,  and  facilities  to 
come  and  establish  themselves  among  us.  To  agriculturalists, 
particularly,. they  guarantee  an  immediate  position,  in  harmony 
with  their  pecuniary  standing.  They  j^,y  become  landed  pro 
prietors,  farmers,  or  laborers  on  halves,  [a  moitie  fruits,]  or  by 
the  week.  Those  among  them  who  had  not  the  means  of  pay 
ing  their  passage  would  be  received  at  the  expense  of  the  Gov 
ernment. 

It  was  stated  that  the  emigrants  would  be  excused  from  mili 
tary  service, — the  service  of  the  National  Guard  alone  being 
obligatory  on  all  citizens. 

Convinced  of  the  importance  of  informing  families  who 
desired  to  come  to  our  country,  of  the  liberality  of  our  Institu 
tions  in  matters  of  religious  belief,  the  Government  guaranteed, 
conformably  with  the  disposition  of  our  laws,  the  public  exercise 
of  the  worship  that  each  of  them  professed. 

This  appeal  was  received  abroad  with  numerous  commenda 
tions,  emanating  as  well  from  those  who  were  themselves  inter 
ested,  as  from  the  friends  of  humanity.  It  was  a  proof  of  the 
honorable  position  of  the  country  which  enabled  us  to  throw 
afar  off  a  ray  of  civilization. 

But  this  first  step  made  by  our  Government  was  only  a  gen 
eral  enunciation  of  generous  intentions.  Subsequent  relations 
with  men  well  disposed  towards  our  race  have  called  our  atten 
tion  to  points  of  detail  which  it  was  useful  to  examine,  or  to 
which  it  becomes  necessary  to  give  precise  replies. 


io6  Vacant   Lands. 

The  Government  declared,  first  of  all,  tfcat  an  absolute  sub 
mission  to  the  laws  of  the  country  was  the  principal  condition. 
Liberal  and  republican,  these  laws  offer  [serious]  guarantees  to 
all.  They  satisfy,  as  well  in  regard  to  civil  as  to  political  ordgr, 
ail  the  legitimate  wants  of  an  advanced  society.  By  making 
known  their  dispositions,  an  answer  was  given  to  many  of  the 
questions  proposed.  Meanwnile  all  the  points  of  detail  were 
not  examined,  though  light  was  thrown  upon  them.  Our  inte 
rior  state  is  little  known  abroad;  we  judged  it  necessary  to 
dissipate  all  doubts  which  might  exist  in  the  minds  of  foreigners. 

Thus,  the  Government  said  that  it  possessed,  in  all  parts  of  the 
country,  demesne  lands  in  large  tracts ;  that,  among  them,  there 
were  many  of  excellent  quality ;  and  that  the  laws  authorized 
us  to  sell  them ; 

That  the  price  of  them  was  moderate ; 

That,  at  different  points,  the  extent  was  such  that  groups  of 
a  hundred  to  two  hundred  families  would  be  able  to  establish 
themselves  thereon  ; 

That  to  each  of  these  groups  freehold  sites  would  be  granted 
for  the  establishment  of  schools  and  chapels,  whatever  might  be 
the  religious  belief  of  the  members  of  the  settlements. 

That,  on  their  declaration  of  their  intention  to  become  Hay- 
tians,  and  renounce  every  other  nationality,  the  emigrants  would 
have  the  right  of  purchasing  lands ; 

That,  to  honest  laborers,  vigorous  but  poor,  who  might  not  be 
in  a  position  to  purchase,  it  would  give  all  desirable  facilities  for 
obtaining  remunerative  work,  —  either  as  farmers,  as  interested 
on  .shares,  [that  is,  paying  one  half  the  crop  as  rent  for  the 
farm,  houses,  and  manufactories,]  or  as  ^.ay-laborers.  By  the 
profits  arising  from  such  work  they  would  be  enabled,  in  a  short 
time,  if  they  were  men  of  economy,  and  well-behaved,  to  be 
come  prosperous; 

That,  further,  the  public  treasury  would  pay  the  passage  of 
this  class  of  persons,  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  piastres  (American 
dollars)  for  each  adult  man  and  woman,  and  of  eight  piastres 


Vacant    Lands. 


for  each  child  of  less  than  twelve  years  of  age,  or  aged  persons 
over  sixty ; 

That  all  the  immunities  which  other  citizens  of  the  Republic 
enjoy,  will  be  accorded  to  them,  after  a  residence  of  one  year  in 
the  Republic ; 

That  the  exercise  of  all  religions  was  protected  by  our  laws, 
and  that  our  national  manners  guaranteed  an  unlimited  tole 
rance  to  all  beliefs ; 

That  the  formation  of  commercial  companies,  existing  in  othei 
countries,  was  authorized  by  our  laws ; 

That  these  laws  recognize  :  — 

Copartnerships,  —  which  do  not  need  any  preliminary  author 
ization  ; 

Joint  Stock  Companies,  —  whose  statutes  would  have  to  be 
submitted  to  the  Government  for  their  approval ; 

That,  under  the  authority  of  this  legislation,  companies 
might  be  formed,  as  well  for  the  exploitation  of  mines  or  forests 
as  the  establishment  of  manufactures ; 

That  we  have  no  patent-right  laws,  but  that  the  principle 
exists  in  our  civil  law,  and  is  capable  of  expansion  ; 

That  the  Government  cannot  engage  itself  to  encourage,  by 
a  protective  tariff,  articles  which  might  be  manufactured  in  Hay- 
ti ;  but  that  manufacturers  will  find  a  sufficient  guarantee  in  our 
actual  tariff,  which  has  always  averaged  20  per  cent,  on  the 
cost  price.  As  our  fiscal  legislation  derives  its  chief  revenues 
from  Custom-House  duties,  it  is  not  likely  that  it  will,  for  some 
time  to  come,  abandon  the  system ; 

That,  the  chief  articles  of  food  being  always  abundant,  there 
is  no  necessity  for  emigrants  bringing  provisions  from  abroad, 
nor  consequently  of  waiving  the  payment  of  the  Custom-House 
duties  thereon ;  but  that  machines,  agricultural  implements, 
personal  baggage,  and  furniture,  shall  be  free  of  entry ; 

That,  as  to  the  exportation  of  products,  no  change  will  be 
made  in  the  present  Custom-House  duties  ; 

That  the  cordial  reception  given  at  St.  Mark  to  the  Louisiana 


io8  Vacant    Lands. 


emigrants  by  our  people,  so  naturally  hospitable,  was  a  proof 
of  the  cordial  reception  in  reserve  for  those  who  may  subse 
quently  arrive ; 

That  nothing  shall  contravene  the  religious  scruples  of  those 
who  regard  it  as  a  duty  to  abstain  from  all  occupation  on  the 
Sabbath.  It  is  proper  to  state,  however,  that  the  monthly  re 
view  of  the  National  Guard  is  held  on  the  first  Sunday  of  the 
month ;  but  it  will  be  easy  to  make  a  legal  modification  of  this 
arrangement ; 

That  a  temporary  lodging,  for  the  first  eight  days,  shall  be 
offered  to  those  arriving,  until  they  get  settled  according  to  their 
wishes ; 

That,  independently  of  the  schools  that  these  new  citizens 
may  create,  the  existing  Government,  which  occupies  itself 
without  ceasing  with  the  duty  of  public  instruction,  has  found 
ed,  and  will  still  found,  numerous  educational  establishments  in 
which  the  monthly  charge  is  next  to  nothing,  and  gratuitous  to 
the  poor ; 

That  our  laws  deprive  no  one  of  the  right  of  quitting  the 
country  when  he  sees  fit ;  yet,  that  the  Haytian  who  deserts  his 
country  in  the  time  of  need,  loses  forever  his  quality  of  citizen. 
The  emigrants  who  may  not  desire  to  remain  in  Hayti,  will  be 
at  liberty  to  re-embark  ;  but  those  whose  introduction  into  the 
country  shall  have  been  at  public  cost,  shall  not  be  permitted  to 
leave  until  after  three  years'  residence,  or  until  they  repay  to 
Government  the  expenses  to  which  it  has  been  put  on  their 
account. 

The  Government  would  not  have  its  task  regarded  as  com 
plete  if  it  had  not  collected  the  most  circumstantial  facts  on 
every  point  relating  to  this  grave  question.  After  receiving  the 
order  from  your  Excellency,  I  addressed,  on  the  20th  of  March 
last,  a  circular  to  the  commanders  of  the  arrondissements  and 
the  councils  of  the  communes,  instructing  them  to  lay  before 
the  population  of  the  country  the  condition  of  men  of  African 
race  abroad,  and  to  ask  from  them  an  energetic  co-operation,  in 


Vacant    Lands. 


309 


the  event  that  a  great  number  of  persons  should  resolve  to 
take  up  their  albocle  in  Hayd.  These  circulars  have  "been 
made  public,  and  the  responses  they  have  called  forth  testify 
the  most  lively  sentiments  of  fraternity.  Extending  to  the  ad 
ministrators  of  finances  in  their  capacity  of  managers  of  the 
national  domains,  this  correspondence,  which  has  been  carried 
on  rapidly,  and  of  which  it  is  only  possible,  President,  to  submit 
to  you  a  synopsis,  we  have  received  proofs  of  a  general  good 
will.  Here  there  are  offers  of  public  subscriptions ;  there  they 
wish  to  charge  themselves  with  the  care  of  a  certain  number  of 
persons ;  in  an  infinity  of  places  they  will  give  [rent]  lands  on 
halves ;  some  will  rent,  others  sell  them ;  in  fine,  all  are  dis 
posed  to  make  all  proper  arrangements. 

The  lists  furnished  by  the  administrators  of  finances  are  not 
complete.  Though  I  had  recommended  them  to  omit  small 
parcels  of  land,  I  am  sure  that  I  have  many  additions  to  re 
ceive  ;  some  have,  moreover,  been  announced  already. 

Laying  aside  all  information  which  does  not  seem  sufficiently 
precise,  I  have  caused  a  list  to  be  made,  arrondissement  by  ar- 
rondissernent,  following  the  rule  of  not  going  further  from  the 
sea  than  twelve  to  fifteen  miles,  so  as  not  to  lose  the  advantages 
of  sea  carriage.  I  have,  nevertheless,  made  exceptions  in  favor 
of  Mirebalais,  Lascahobas,  and  Plaisance,  to  which  localities 
there  are  tolerably  good  roads  from  Port-au-Prince  and  Cape 
Haytian. 

Here  follows  the  synopsis  of  this  work. 

AIIIIONBISSEMENT    OF    TORT-AU-PRINCE. 

In  different  parts  of  the  communes  of  the  Croix  des  Bouquets 
and  1'Arcahaie,  there  are  vast  lands,  belonging  to  the  State,  and 
which  offer  the  means  of  locating  .a  good  number  of  individuals. 
Independently  of  these  lands,  there  are  a  great  many  individ 
uals  who  possess  extensive  tracts  which  they  would  wish  to  see 
cultivated,  either  on  lease  or  on  half  shares.  According  to  gen 
eral  use,  the  machinery,  etc.,  for  the  manufactory  of  sugar  and 
syrup,  on  these  properties,  would  be  placed  in  the  hands  of 
10 


no  Vacant    Lands. 


those  who  would  cultivate  them.  The  great  fertility  of  the 
plains  of  Cul-de-Sac,  Boucassin,  and  1'Arcahaie,  offers  number 
less  advantages  to  emigrants ;  but  if  it  were  a  question  of  pur 
chasing,  lands  in  these  quarters  are  considerably  dearer  than  in 
less  central  localities ;  this,  moreover,  is  ever  the  case  in  the 
neighborhood  of  large  towns.  It  is  certain,  nevertheless,  that 
if  serious  offers  were  made  for  such  properties,  prices  would  fall 
considerably.  This  same  observation  which  I  here  make  can 
be  applied  to  every  part  of  the  country. 

Apart  from  the  farmers  of  these  properties,  a  thousand 
persons  could  probably  find  occupation  there  as  laborers,  sugar- 
boilers,  machinists,  and  in  other  trades  useful  to  agriculture. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF    LEOGANE. 

This  arrondissement  has  very  few  State  lands  which  arc  not 
occupied,  especially  in  the  plain.  From  Gressier  to  Petit 
Goave,  a  pretty  large  number  of  individuals  could  find  employ 
ment. 

But  when  we  speak  of  private  property,  we  here  find,  as  in 
deed  throughout  all  the  Republic,  a  vast  extent  of  land  which 
is  of  no  present  use  to  the  owners.  Many  of  them  are  dis* 
posed,  some  to  sell,  some  to  lease,  or  to  make  any  other  arrange 
ments  which  might  prove  reciprocally  beneficial  to  the  contract 
ing  parties.  This  important  arrondissement  possesses,  within 
easy  reach  of  the  capital,  beautiful  rich  plains,  running  down  to 
the  sea,  and  having  a  great  many  good  landing-places.  The 
navigation  of  the  gulf  of  Port-au-Prince,  easy  at  all  seasons  of 
the  year,  offers  great  advantages  for  the  disposal  of  produce. 
The  mountains  produce  superior  coffee  in  great  abundance,  and 
their  cool  and  fertile  lands  admit  of  the  cultivation  of  all  sorts 
of  produce. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF    ST.    MARK. 

From  Mont  Kouis  to  St.  Mark,  the  State  possesses,  in 
the  plains,  considerable  quantities  of  irrigated  lands,  of 
good  quality,  and  several  estates  in  the  mountains.  Sev- 


Vacant    Lands.  1 1 1 


eral  private  parties  in  this  quarter  arc  willing  to  sell  at  moderate 
rates. 

In  the  plain  of  the  Artibonite,  over  an  extent  of  sixty  miles, 
from  Verrettcs  to  la  Riviere  Salee,  there  are  a  good  many- unoc 
cupied  State  lands.  These  lands  are  fit  for  all  £orts  of  cultiva 
tion,  particularly  of  cotton,  corn,  and  provisions.  Towards 
Riviere  Salee  the  deposits  from  the  Artibonite  have  covered  the 
lands  with  mud.  They  are  easily  cultivated,  and  can  be  used 
also  for  raising  stock.  There  are  ponds  there  which  only  re 
quire  to  be  kept  in  order  to  furnish  good  water  during  the 
whole  year.  Private  parties  would  also  sell  cheap  large  quan 
tities  of  land. 

In  order  to  bring  back  to  this  arrondissement  its  ancient 
prosperity,  the  water-courses  would  have  to  be  opened  as  for 
merly,  and  the  channels  which  are  now  filled  up  would  require 
cleaning. 

The  commander  of  this  arrondissement  makes  this  observa 
tion,  that  the  principal  inconvenience  which  he  has  met  with 
here  is  the  want  of  houses.  You  can  go  a  long  distance  with 
out  meeting  a  single  cabin,  and  experience  has  shown  him  that 
this  is  a  serious  obstacle  for  men  who,  on  arriving,  are  obliged 
to  spend  considerable  time  to  build  themselves  a  shelter.  I  do 
not  hesitate,  President,  to  point  out  to  you  the  arrondissement 
of  St.  Mark  as  one  of  the  most  important  points  for  emigration. 
Here  are  vast  tracts  of  land  thinly  peopled,  and  of  known  fer 
tility,  large  rivers,  easy  communication,  an  open  port,  a  town 
at  an  easy  distance  from  two  great  commercial  centres,  easy 
communication  with  the  arrondissements  of  Mirebalais,  Lasca- 
hobas,  and  Marmelade ;  there  are  in  this  locality  all  the  ele 
ments  necessary  to  bring  back  its  ancient  riches.  The  only  thing 
which  is  wanting  is  a  population  in  proportion  to  its  magnificent 
position.  Emigration  can  supply  this.  We  have  already  seen 
a  certain  number  of  Louisianians  take  this  direction,  and  others 
are  announced. 


112  Vacant    Lands. 


ARRONDISSEMENT    OF   MIREBALAIS. 

The  Government  owns,  in  this  arrondissement,  a  great  amount 
of  land.  The  mildness  of  the  climate,  and  the  fertility  of  the 
soil,  offer  very  great  advantages.  Several  proprietors  offer 
large  properties  for  sale. 

This  district  would  seem  to  be  very  favorable  to  men  of  our 
race  who,  from  a  long  residence  in  the  cold  countries  of  North 
America,  would  find  it  difficult  to  accustom  themselves  'to  the 
much  greater  heat  of  the  lowlands.  The  distance  from  any 
seaport  would  certainly  be  an  inconvenience  for  the  embarkation 
of  produce,  but  the  high  road  to  Port-au-Prince,  by  way  of  the 
plain  of  Cul-de-Sac,  is  generally  pretty  good. 

ARRONDISSEMENT   OF   LASCAHOBAS. 

All  that  I  have  said  of  Mirebalais  applies  to  this  arrondisse 
ment.  There  is  here  a  large  quantity  of  land,  both  public  and 
private  property. 

The  land  here  is  of  prodigious  fertility,  and  fit  for  all  kinds 
of  culture.  Lascahobas  has  also  vast  deposits  of  coal,  and  if 
the  Artibonite  could  be  made  navigable,  this  part  of  the  country 
could  attain  to  a  high  degree  of  prosperity. 

ARRONDISSEMENT   OF  DESSALINES. 

At  a  short  distance  from  the  village  of  Dessalines,  the  State 
owns  from  two  thousand  to  twenty-five  hundred  acres  of  land,  or 
more.  Near  to  St.  Mark,  and  placed  in  much  the  same  circum 
stances,  what  has  been  said  of  the  one  applies  to  the  other.  As 
it  is  situated  more  in  the  interior,  it  may  be  considered  as  a  con 
tinuation  of  the  arrondissement  of  St.  Mark.  There  are  several 
questions  which  would  require  profound  study, — such  as  the 
regulation  of  the  water  supply,  the  cultivation  of  different 
savannahs,  etc. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF    GONAIVZS. 

This  arrondissement  must  be  joined  to  the  two  preceding 
ones,  to  complete  a  group,  the  unity  of  which  is  scarcely  broken 
by  the  administrative  divisions.  In  the  centre,  and  forming  a 
vast  quadrilateral,  is  a  magnificent  basin  (or  hollow)  watered  by 


Vacant    Lands. 


the  Artibonite,  the  Ester,  and  various  small  water-courses. 
Cotton  has  always  been  grown  qn  these  lands,  which  are  in  a 
superior  degree  adapted  to  its  cultivation.  By  giving  them 
water,  every  kind  of  produce  natural  to  this  climate  could  be 
grown  there. 

The  high  road  from  St.  Mark  to  Gonai'ves  intersects  them,  and 
there  arc  numerous  landing-places  on  the  seashore. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OP    PORT    DE    PAIX. 

There  are  many  demesne  lands  in  this  section,  of  upwards 
of  three  hundred  and  six  hundred  acres  each  lot.  The  quantity 
of  land  situated  in  the  plains  is  small  compared  to  that  on  the 
hills  and  in  the  mountains.  Both  arc  very  fertile,  and  would 
produce  almost  anything.  Cotton  would  succeed  well  on  the 
long  line  of  country  which  extends  from  the  Bay-des-Moustiques 
to  the  Bombardo. 

The  department  of  the  northwest  is  only  thinly  peopled. 
Many  private  parties  wish  to  come  to  terms  of  any  kind  with 
emigrants.  Large  lots  of  land  could  be  found  on  very  favorable 
terms.  Twelve  thousand  acres  are  at  present  in  the  market. 

Landing-places  are  numerous  all  along  the  coasts.  Port  de 
Paix,  an  open  port,  would  facilitate  the  disposal  of  all  sorts  of 
produce.  Besides,  its  nearness  to  Cape  Ilaytian  presents  im 
portant  advantages. 

I  do  not  speak  of  the  arrondissement  of  Mole  St.  Nicholas,  as 
this  part  of  the  country  is  very  poor  and  barren. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OP    THE   BORGNE. 

As  in  almost  every  place,  the  Government  lands  are  more 
abundant  in  the  mountains  than  in  the  plains,  in  this  section. 
Private  parties  are  open  to  arrangements  with  emigrants. 

The  climate  is  mild,  and  the  lands  are  fertile.  There  is  here 
a  great  variety  in  the  cultivation  of  the  land.  Cocoa  is  the 
staple  of  several  districts.  There  is  a  bright  future  awaiting 
this  part  of  the  country,  in  the  matter  of  agriculture.  The 
price  of  land  is  rather  high.  By  means  of  many  harbors  and 
10* 


114  Vacant    Lands. 


landing-places,  this  section 'has  easy  access  to  Port  de  Paix  and 
Cape  Haytian.  * 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF    LIMBE. 

In  all  tlie  department  of  the  north  there  are  great  numbers 
of  demesne  lands  in  the  hands  of  squatters,  or  of  farmers  who  do 
not  pay  their  rent.  The  conditions  of  their  leases  ought  to  be 
fulfilled  by  them.  This  they  should  be  made  to  do  under  pen 
alty  of  cancelling  their  leases. 

This  is  an  inconvenience  which  we  often  meet  with  in  this 
district. 

There  is  much  waste  land  here,  the  climate  is  mild,  and  the 
lands  very  fertile.  The  sympathies  of  the  emigrant  will  be 
attracted  by  its  smiling  and  picturesque  aspect,  as  those  of  the 
traveller  invar&bly  are. 

Plaisance  (tne  very  name  indicates  the  advantages  to  be  en 
joyed  here)  rejoices  in  a  climate  of  imcomparable  mildness,  and 
of  very  great  fertility.  Though  at  a  considerable  distance  from 
any  commercial  centre,  it  is,  by  its  position,  the  principal  mar 
ket  between  the  Cape  and  Gonai'ves,  and  has  the  means  of 
taking  its  produce  to  the  most  favorable  of  these  two  markets. 

ARRONDISSEMENT  OP  CAPE  HAYTIAN. 

The  Government  lands  are  more  parcelled  out  here  than  in 
many  other  localities ;  this  is  always  the  case  in  the  neighborhood 
of  large  towns.  There  is,  notwithstanding,  a  considerable  quantity 
of  demesne  land.  Six  miles  from  the  Cape,  at  Morne  Rouge, 
there  are  seven  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  unoccupied  land. 
This  virgin  soil,  of  great  fertility,  is  watered  by  numerous 
springs.  Independently  of  being  near  the  capital  of  the  dis 
trict,  they  are  near  the  landing-place  of  Acul  du  Nord. 

The  fertility  of  the  plain  of  the  Cape  is  proverbial. 
*The  sections  of  Limonade  and  Quartier-Morin,  are  justly  re 
nowned  for  their  fertility.     In  spite  of  the  heat  of  our  climate, 
the  cultivation  of  the  sugarcane  succeeds  admirably  without 
irrigation. 


Vacant    Lands. 


Many  private  parties,  owning  vast  properties,  arc  without 
workmen.  This  is  a  guarantee  that  emigrants  will  be  able  to 
come  to  terms  with  them. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF    THE   GRANDE    RIVIERE. 

The  local  authorities  manifest  much  sympathy  in  behalf  of 
emigration.  Though  the  Government  lands  are  cut  up  into 
small  parts,  or  partly  leased,  there  is  room  here  for  a  good 
number  of  laborers.  Many  of  the  leases  are  only  held  for  the 
cutting  of  the  logwood.  This  fine  arrondissement  has  a  large 
extent  of  fallow  land  of  first-rate  quality. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF    THE    TROU. 

Here  there  are  numerous  demesne  lands.  If  the  quality  of 
the  soil  is  not  always  equal  to  that  of  the  arrondissements  of 
which  I  have  already  smken,  there  are,  nevertheless,  great 
advantages  to  be  met  with.  The  drier  lands  are  specially 
adapted  to  the  growing  of  cotton. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OP    FORT   LIBERTE. 

This  is  one  of  the  districts  which  offer  the  largest  extent  of 
Government  land.  Tracts  of  vast  extent,  in  the  plains  as  well 
as  in  the  mountains,  could  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  emi 
grants.  There  are  good  and  numerous  landing-places.  Its 
nearness  to  Cape  Haytian  would  largely  facilitate  the  sale  of 
produce  of  all  sorts.  It  would  be  easy  to  establish,  in  this  sec 
tion,  settlements  and  villages.  The  mountains  which  towor 
above  this  part  of  the  island  are  rich  in  various  minerals. 

ARRONDISSEMENT   OP   NIPPES. 

I  now  pass  to  the  department  of  the  South. 

There  is  much  sympathy  shown,  in  the  arrondissement  of 
Nippes,  on  the  question  of  emigration.  The  inhabitants  are  in 
dustrious,  and  on  that  account  there  are  not  so  many  large  Gov 
ernment  properties  as  elsewhere,  but  large  quantities  of  land 
have  been  spontaneously  offered  for  sale,  on  lease,  or  to  be 
worked  on"  half-shares.  They  would  also  pay  the  passage  of 
one  hundred  laborers. 

Near  the  seashore,  the  Government  has  but  little  land.     At 


ii6  Vacant    Lands. 


Baraderes,  however,   there  are  several  unoccupied   properties 
forming  a  lot,  near  the  shore,  of  about  twenty-four  hundred 


o 

acres. 


The  soil  is  very  fertile,  and  fit  for  any  kind  of  lowland  cul 
tivation.  The  river  of  Baraderes  flows  along  this  land.  Quite 
near  this  river,  and  joining  the  mainland,  from  which  it  is  sep 
arated  by  a  channel  of  little  depth,  is  tlie  Het  a  Pornic,  meas 
uring  some  twelve  hundred  acres  of  good  land.  These  two  lots 
would  be  a  good  site  for  a  settlement  of  a  thousand  persons. 

From  twelve  to  eighteen  miles  from  Mirage Jine,  is  the  Roche- 
lois,  a  section  of  the  country,  of  a  mild  climate,  and  of  great 
fertility.  Here  there  is  about  the  same  extent  of  vacant  lands, 
belonging  to  individuals  who  are  willing  to  come  to  terms. 

This  arrondissement  has  an  open  port,  Miragoiine.  It  is 
within  easy  reach  of  Port-au-Prince  and  Jeremie,  and  offers 
real  advantages  for  the  disposal  of  produce,  as  well  as  for  the 
purchase  of  the  necessaries  of  life.  There  are  numerous  land 
ing-places  all  along  the  shore. 

ARRONDISSEMENT  OF   THE   GRAND    ?ANSE. 

Jeremie,  capital  of  this  district,  has  the  advantage  (equally 
with  St.  Mark  and  Port  de  Paix)  of  possessing  the  most  agree 
able  and  salubrious  climate  in  the  whole  Island.  The  soil  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Jeremie  is  fertile,  and,  being  well  watered, 
produces  abundantly  sugarcane,  coffee,  tobacco,  cotton,  cocoa, 
and  all  kinds  of  West  India  provisions. 

In  the  plains,  Government  has  no  very  great  quantity  of 
land,  but  private  parties  are  in  want  of  laborers  to  cultivate  the 
vast  extent  of  property  belonging  to  them.  They  are  disposed 
to  make  arrangements  of  different  kinds.  The  harbor  of  Jere 
mie  is  open  to  foreign  commerce,  and  flags  of  all  nations  wave 
there.  Numerous  landing-places  facilitate  the  transport  of 
produce. 

ARRONDISSEMENT   OF   TIBURON. 

In  this,  one  of  the  most  interesting  districts  in  the  country, 
Government  owns  a  large  extent  of  land.  The  ports  of 


Vacant    Lands.  117 


Tiburon,  Anse  d'Hainault,  Dame  Marie,  and  Petite  Riviere, 
are  quite  near  to  eacli  other,  and  allow  of  easy  communication. 
The  inhabitants  earnestly  desire  to  see  this  plan  of  emigration 
succeed,  and  are  ready  to  pay  the  passage  of  needy  farm  labor 
ers,  and  would  find  them  work,  either  by  the  day,  on  half 
shares,  or  on  lease.  The  natural  products  are  the  same  as  at 
Jerernie.  Cocoa  is  very  largely  cultivated,  and  there  is  room 
for  great  extension  in  this  respect. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF    CAYES. 

In  the  commune  of  Cayes  there  is  but  little  Government 
land,  but  from  Torbeck  to  the  Coteaux,  and  from  this  latter 
place  to  the  Anglais  and  Port  a  Piment,  (on  the  line  from 
Coteaux  to  the  Anglais,)  there  are  many  Government  proper 
ties  in  lands  of  a  fertile  character.  The  population  is  tolerably 
scattered,  and  there  are  large  vacancies  to  be  filled  up. 

The  plains  of  the  South  are  justly  celebrated  for  their  great 
productiveness  in  the  article  of  sugarcane.  The  inhabitants 
are  industrious,  and  laborers  would  receive  from  them  a  hearty 
welcome.  There  is  easy  communication  by  means  of  numerous 
ports  and  harbors. 

The  port  of  Cayes  offers  an  important  market  for  all  sorts  of 
produce. 

ARRONDISSEMENT   OF   AQUIN. 

There  are  in  this  district  large  quantities  of  Government 
lands.  It  would  be  easy  to  find  in  the  plains,  in  large  parcels, 
at  least  3,600  acres  in  the  different  communes.  Besides  this, 
private  parties  offer  about  the  same  quantity  in  large  planta 
tions,  on  very  reasonable  terms.  They  would  also  welcome  a 
certain  number  of  laborers.  This  district  is  very  well  disposed 
to  second  the  views  of  the  Government. 

ARRONDISSEMENT    OF   JACMEL. 

Coffee  and  provisions  are  the  staples  of  this  district ;  but 
near  Saletrou  and  Marigot  the  land  would  grow  cotton.  The 
mountains  grow  all  sorts  of  produce.  The  mountainous  char 
acter  of  this  district  offers  but  little  advantage  to  those  who,  on 


n8  Vacant    Lands. 


arrival,  look  for  good  roads  and  easy  communication.  If  this 
plan  of  emigration  should  succeed  to  any  great  extent,  no  doubt 
its  turn  would  come. 

I  have  not  mentioned  in  this  report  certain  rich  tracts  of 
land  in  the  interior,  as  in  the  arrondissement  of  Marnielade.  I 
have  not  done  so  because  I  conclude  that,  at  least  for  the  time 
being,  the  absence  of  good  roads  is  a  sufficient  obstacle  to 
emigration.  These  splendid  table-lands  in  the  interior  will, 
doubtless,  one  day  have  their  turn.  The  fertile  plains  of 
Hinche,  St.  Michel,  Banica,  and  Valliere,  must  necessarily 
attract  attention.  Their  great  metallurgic  wealth,  their  coal 
deposits,  and  the  mildness  of  their  climate  will  recommend  them 
as  districts  rich  in  promise  for  the  future.  The  surveys  which 
your  Excellency  will  cause  to  be  made  will  bring  out  in  bold 
relief  all  these  peculiar  advantages. 

I  have  taken  no  notice  of  mountain  lands.  It  is  neverthe 
less  necessary  to  note  here,  that  Government  has  many  excel 
lent  lands  of  this  kind.  There  is  a  needless  alarm  as  to  the 
difficulty  of  transporting  produce  in  a  hilly  country.  This 
should  not  be  lost  sight  of,  however,  that  in  such  parts  of  the 
country,  much  less  labor  is  required ;  and  that,  besides  provisions 
and  vegetables,  which  grow  there  in  abundance,  coffee,  cocoa, 
and  cotton  succeed  admirably.  It  is  easy  to  cultivate  these 
things,  and  they  do  not  require  any  large  outlay.  This  should 
not  be  lost  sight  of.  In  all  the  districts  of  the  Republic  there 
are  immense  tracts  of  this  description,  —  all  they  need  is 
laborers. 

These  laborers  are  presenting  themselves,  President.  If  the 
small  emigration  from  Louisiana  seems  to  prefer  the  district  of 
St.  Mark,  other  proposals  are  made  to  us  in  view  of  the  North 
western  section.  All  we  have  to  do  is  to  direct  these  currents 
to  the  points  where  the  probability  of  success  is  greatest.  The 
direction  of  agents  abroad  is  necessary  in  order  that  our  plan 
may  succeed.  It  is  quite  natural  for  a  man,  before  going  to  a 


Vacant    Lands.  119 


foreign  country,  to  wish  to  know  what  kind  of  resources  it 
possesses. 

The  Government,  on  its  part,  should  know  as  much  as  possi 
ble  of  the  antecedents  of  intending  emigrants. 

Other  measures  will  no  doubt  be  subsequently  needed,  but 
they  will  perhaps  require  the  intervention  of  the  legislature. 

The  reasons  which  have  given  rise  to  the  creation  of  emigra 
tion  offices  demand  that  these  offices  should  be  organized,  at 
least,  in  those  localities  towards  which  emigration  will  most 
probably  be  directed  in  the  beginning. 

For  the  above-mentioned  reasons,  I  have  the  honor  to  pro 
pose  that  your  Excellency  direct  the  following  steps  to  bo 
taken :  — 

1.  That  agents  be  appointed  in  foreign  countries  to  promote 
an  emigration  into  this  country  of  men  of  our  race. 

2.  That   the  towns  of  Cape  Haytian,  St.   Mark,   Port-au- 
Prince,  Gonai'ves,  and  Cayes,  be  named  immediately  as  points 
where  the  emigrants  can  disembark.     This  measure  to  be  ex 
tended,   if  necessary,  to  Port  de  Paix,   Miragoane,  Jeremie, 
Aquin,  and  Jacmel. 

3.  That   emigration   offices  be  opened   at  Cape   Haytian, 
Gonai'ves ,  St.  Mark,  Port-au-Prince,  and  Cayes. 

4.  That  two  inspectors  be  named,  in  the  North  and  South, 
to  survey  and  make  a  plan  of  the  Government  lands. 

5.  That  a  certain  number  of  small  frame-houses,  which  could 
be  easily  put  up,  be  sent  for  from  the  States,  to  be  sold  to  such 
emigrants  as  may  need  them. 

G.  That  each  emigration  office  should  have  placed  at  its  dis 
posal  a  building  where  emigrants  may  be  lodged  on  arrival,  and 
that  authority  be  given  to  provide  for  their  wants  during  the 
first  eight  days  after  arrival. 

7.  Lastly,  that  3,000  copies  of  this  report  be  printed  and 
sent  to  our  agents  in  foreign  countries. 

(Signed)  F.  JN.  JOSEPH. 

Port-au-Prince,  August  6,  1860. 


I2o  Vacant    Lands. 


DECREE. 

FABRE  GEFFRARD,   President  of  Hayti, 

On  the  Report  of  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the  Interior  and 
Agriculture ; 

Considering  the  Decree  on  Emigration  of  April  23,  ultimo; 

By  advice  of  the  Council  of  Secretaries  of  State, 

Decrees  as  follows : 

ART.  1.  Agents  will  be  appointed  in  foreign  parts  to  promote 
emigration,  and  to  give  all  needful  information  to  intending 
emigrants. 

ART.  2.  An  emigration  office  will  be  opened  at  St.  Mark. 

ART.  3.  A  building  will  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  each 
emigration  office,  in  which  emigrants  on  disembarking  will  be 
received. 

ART.  4.  The  towns  of  Cape  Haytian,  St.  Mark,  Port-au- 
Prince,  Gonaives,  and  Cayes,  are  named  as  points  of  disem 
barkation.  This  measure  can  be  extended,  if  need  be,  to  Port 
»le  Paix,  Miragoane,  Jeremie,  Aquin,  and  Jacmel. 

ART.  5.  Two  inspectors  will  be  named,  for  the  North  and 
South,  whose  duty  it  will  be  to  survey  and  describe  exactly 
such  demesne  lands  as  are  disposable,  with  a  view  of  settling 
emigrants  upon  them. 

ART.  6.  "Wooden  houses  will  be  prepared  beforehand,  by 
the  care  of  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the  Interior  and  Agricul 
ture. 

ART.  7.  The  present  Decree  will  be  printed,  published,  and 
put  into  execution  by  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the  Interior 
and  Agriculture. 

Given  at  the  National  Palace,  Port-au-Prince,  the  14th  of 
August,  1860,  the  57th  year  of  Independence. 

(Signed)  GEFFRARD. 

BY  THE  PRESIDENT  : 

The  Secretary  of  State  for  the  Interior  and  Agriculture, 

(Signed)  F.  JN.  JOSEPH. 


VII. 

in  fat)or  of  (Emigration. 

FROM  an  official  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Legislative 
Chambers  of  Hayti,  we  translate  the  following  important 
documents.  • 

SENATE.     Session  of  September,  I860. 

....  The  President  (of  the  Senate)  announced  to  the 
organs  of  the  Government  that  the  Assembly  was  ready  to 
receive  their  communications.  The  Secretary  of  State  of  the 
Interior  rose  and  stated  that  his  colleagues  and  himself  were 
charged  by  the  Government  to  submit  to  the  Senate  a  project 
of  law  on  emigration.  He  then  made  the  following  exposition 
of  the  reasons  for  the  project : 

Gentlemen  :  For  many  years  past,  tendencies  to  emigration, 
more  or  less  decided,  have  appeared  amongst  men  of  our  race 
on  the  American  Continent  and  in  the  Islands  of  our  Archipelago. 
Already,  under  the  fallen  government,  an  agent  was  sent  to 
New  Orleans  to  endeavor  to  profit  by  these  dispositions,  and 
the  present  administration,  finding  this  work  already  begun,  has 
sought  to  give  to  the  movement  a  more  vigorous  impulse. 

Recent  facts  were  used  as  the  starting-point  to  our  efforts. 
A  large  number  of  the  States  of  the  great  North  American 
empire,  in  consequence  of  events  which  it  is  useless  here  to 
retrace,  adopted  a  new  policy,  the  rigors  of  which  were  des 
tined  to  produce  throughout  the  world  a  dismal  echo.  Our 
hearts  were  moved  by  the  sufferings  of  our  brethren  on  the 


122  Laws  in  favor  of  Emigration. 

other  side  of  the  water,  and  we  conceived  that  a  great  duty  waa 
imposed  upon  our  country.  To  the  full  extent  which  our  laws 
allowed,  we  expressed,  under  different  forms,  our  wishes  and 
sentimen^  to  the  children  of  the  African  race.  We  have  re 
ceived  proofs  of  their  sympathy,  and  we  know  that  in  spite  of 
offers  and  numerous  efforts  made  to  induce  them  to  settle  else 
where,  it  is  still  towards  Hayti  that  they  turn  their  eyes. 

But,  gentlemen,  we  must  not  shut  our  eyes  to  the  fact  that, 
whatever  advantage,  whatever  satisfaction  emigration  may 
secure,  in  the  case  of  a  family  leaving  their  country  for  a  dis 
tant  one,  there  is  always  a  certain  fear  of  swallowing  up  their 
limited  capital,  and  of  remaining  without  resources  in  the 
face  of  an  unknown  future.  Amongst  the  persons  who  wish  to 
come,  there  is  a  large  majority  who,  from  their  pecuniary  posi 
tion,  are  unable  to  run  risks  or  trust  to  chance.  Being  possessed 
but  of  small  means,  they  fear,  on  their  arrival  amongst  us, 
being  obliged  to  use  their  money  in  the  purchase  of  an  estate 
which  tiny  would  be  unable,  from  want  of  capital,  to  turn  to 
^ood  advantage. 

Gentlemen,  these  considerations  are  important.  Government 
has  seriously  reflected  on  the  subject.  It  has,  on  the  one  side, 
consulted  the  duties  of  our  exceptional  nationality,  and  has 
asked  whether,  in  the  position  which  we  occupy  in  the  world, 
we  are  not  called  upon  to  fulfil  great  obligations  towards  our 
brethren,  whose  misfortunes  are  one  of  the  calamities  of  the 
age.  On  the  other  side,  in  presence  of  our  financial  embarrass 
ment,  it  has  sought  the  best  practical  means  to  be  made  use  of 
in  order  to  destroy  the  material  obstacle  which  separates  us 
from  men  whose  hearts  yearn  towards  Hayti. 

Thus  put,  the  question,  matured  by  more  than  a  year's  study, 
was  destined  to  arrive  at  a  solution  worthy  of  the  great  men 
who  have  founded  a  country  for  the  children  of  the  African 
race.  It  is  this  solution,  gentlemen,  that  I  have  the  honor  to 
submit  to  you. 


Laws  in  favor  of   Emigration.  123 

Government  proposes  to  grant  five  carreaux  of  land  to 
every  family  of  agriculturists,  or  laborers  of  African  or  Indian 
race.  The  grant  shall  be  reduced  to  two  carreaux  for  every 
unmarried  cultivator  or  laborer. 

This  measure  is  the  object  of  the  first  article  of  the  law  which. 
I  now  submit  to  your  deliberations.  Articles  2;  3,  and  4,  are 
intended  to  regulate  this  decree. 

You  know,  gentlemen,  that  at  least  two  thirds  of  our  lands 
are  fallow  lands.  The  State,  although  owning  immense  domains, 
derives  scarcely  anything  from  this  enormous  capital.  And 
how  can  it  be  otherwise,  when  the  labor  necessary  to  cultivation 
is  wanting,  in  consequence  of  our  deficient  population  ?  Be 
sides, — why  not  admit  it  ? — wo  still  practise  the  agricultural  pro 
cesses  of  the  ancient  colonists,  while  around  us  everything  has 
progressed,  agriculture  and  manufactures.  The  progress  at 
tained  during  the  last  quarter  of  a  century  has  changed  the 
mode  of  agriculture,  as  well  as  all  other  arts  of  production.  To 
remain  stationary,  when  others  are  making  giant  strides,  would 
be  exceeding  dangerous  for  us. 

In  consequence  of  'the  recent  decrees,  by  which  we  are  en 
abled  to  recommence  the  sale  of  Government  lands,  we  have 
sold  and  are  still  selling  a  few  estates  ;  but  this  operation  pro 
duces  no  perceptible  change  in  the  general  condition  of  national 
labor.  It  is  scarce  anything  else  but  a  removal  of  laborers. 
The  measure  we  propose  to  you  will,  on  the  contrary,  add  to 
the  number  of  our  products,  and  tend  to  bring  into  general  use 
the  processes  which  give  wealth  to  countries  possessing  a  soil 
and  climate  identical  with  our  own. 

It  is,  then,  with  entire  confidence  that  I  lodge  in  your  hands 
this  project  of  law,  destined  to  increase  the  prosperity  and  power 
of  our  beloved  country. 

After  which,  this  high  functionary  read  the  said  project  of 
law  and  delivered  it  to  the  Bureau,  which  gave  him  a  receipt  in 
the  name  of  the  whole  Senate. 


124  Laws  in  favor  of  Emigration. 

Law  on  the  Emigration  into  the  Country,  of  Persons  of 
African   and  Indian   Race. 

FABRE  GEFFRARD,  President  of  Hayti, 

By  the  advice  of  the  Council  of  the  Secretaries  of  State, 

Has  proposed  the  following  law : 

ARTICLE  1.  After  the  promulgation  of  the  present  law,  five 
carreauxof  land  will  be  granted,  free  of  all  charge,  to  every  family 
of  laborers  or  cultivators  of  African  or  Indian  race  who  shall 
arrive  in  the  Republic.  This  grant  will  be  reduced  to  two  car- 
reaux,  when  the  laborer  or  cultivator  is  unmarried. 

ART.  2.  These- grants  will  be  delivered,  without  expense  and 
with  a  provisional  title,  to  every  family  that  shall  have  made, 
before  the  proper  magistrate,  the  declarations  prescribed  by  law 
to  the  end  of  obtaining  naturalization,  and  they  will  be  con 
verted  into  final  grants  after  a  residence  of  a  year  and  a  day  in 
the  country. 

ART.  3.  The  final  grants  will  be  given  in  exchange  for  the 
provisional  grants,  only  when  it  shall  have  been  ascertained  by 
the  Government  agent  that  cultivation  has  already  commenced 
on  the  property  granted. 

ART.  4.  The  grantee  shall  not  have  the  power  to  dispose  of 
his  grant  before  the  expiration  of  seven  consecutive  years  of 
occupation.  Nevertheless,  he  will  be  able  to  obtain  the  author 
ity  to  exchange  his  grant  for  another  property,  but  only  on  the 
conditions,  terms,  and  with  the  provisos  above  named. 

The  present  law  shall  bo  promptly  executed  by  the  Secretary 
of  State  of  the  Interior  and  of  Agriculture. 

National  Palace  of  Port-au-Prince,  the  ls£  September, 
1860,  year  fifty-seventh  of  Independence. 

GEFFRARD. 

BY  THE  PRESIDENT  : 
The  Secretary  of  State,  of  the  Interior,  and  of  Agriculture .  Es.  Jsr.  JOSEPH 

The  Secretary  of  State,  of  War,  and  of  Marine T.  DEJOIE. 

The  Secretary  of  State,  of  Justice,  and  of  Worship. . . .  E.  DUBOIS. 
The  Secretary  of  State,  of  Finances,  of  Commerce,  and 

of  Exterior  Relations V.  PLESANCE. 

The  Secretary  of  State  of  the  General  Police T.  LAMOTHE. 


Laws  in  favor  of  Emigration.  125 

The  Secretary  of  State  of  Justice  and  of  Worship,  took  the 
floor  [prend  la  parole]  and  presented  the  following  project  of 
law,  which  project,  he  said,  the  Government  has  considered  as 
a  measure  corollary  to  the  one  just  submitted  to  you,  inasmuch 
as  it  is  destined  to  realize  and  facilitate  its  execution,  with  re 
gard  to  the  formalities  required  to  become  a  Haytian  citizen, 
and  to  enjoy  immediately  the  benefits  of  emigration. 

FABRE  GEFFRARD,  President  of  Hayti, 

On  the  report  of  the  Secretary  of  State  of  Justice,  and  by 
the  advice  of  the  Council  of  Secretaries  of  State, 

Considering  that  prompt  action  is  demanded  in  behalf  of 
those  who  possess  the  required  qualifications  to  become  Haytians, 
in  order  to  enable  them  with  facility  to  enter  into  the  immediate 
enjoyment  of  the  rights  attached  to  naturalization, 

Proposes  the  following  law : 

ARTICLE  1.  Article  14  of  the  civil  code  is  modified  as 
follows :  » 

"All  those,  who  by  virtue  of  the  Constitution,  are  able  to 
'"  acquire  the  rights- of  Haytian  citizens,  must,  during  the  first 
"month  of  their  arrival  in  the  countiy,  before  the  Justice  of 
"  the  Peace  of  their  residence,  and  in  presence  of  two  well 
-known  citizens,  make  a  declaration  to  the  effect  that  they 
"  come  with  the  intention  of  settling  in  the  Republic.  They 
"  will,  at  the  same  time,  before  the  Justice  of  the  Peace,  take 
"  oath  that  they  renounce  every  other  country  save  Hayti." 

ART.  2.  Provided  with  the  duplicate  of  the  verbal  process 
of  the  Justice  of  the  Peace,  setting  forth  their  declaration  that 
they  come  to  settle  in  the  Republic,  and  their  taking  of  the 
oath,  they  will  present  themselves  at  the  offices  of  the  President 
of  Hayti,  to  receive  an  act  from  the  Chief  of  the  State,  recog 
nizing  them  as  citizens  of  the  Republic.  . 

ART.  3.  The  present  law  annuls  all  laws  or  measures  which 
are  contrary  to  it,  and  shall  be  executed  with  dispatch  'by  the 

Secretary  of  State  for  Justice. 

11* 


126  Laws  in  favor  of  Emigration. 

Given  at  the  National  Palace  of  Port-au-Prince,  the  27th 
day  of  August,  1860,  in  the  57th  year  of  Independence. 

GEFFRARD. 
BY  THE  PRESIDENT: 

The  Secretary  of  State  for  Justice,  Public  Worship,   and 

Public   Instruction, 

DUBOIS. 

The  project  was  then  remitted  to  the  office,  and  a  receipt 
therefor  delivered  to  the  Secretaries  of  State. 

The  Senate  then  read  the  first  project  of  law.  Its  emergency 
was  voted,  on  the  proposal  of  Senator  Jh.  Essaleynes,  sup 
ported  by  Senators  Inginac  and  Zamor,  Senior. 

In  consequence  of  this,  the  project  underwent  alternatively 
all  the  formalities  required  by  the  rules  for  the  discussion  of 
laws.  The  result  thereof  was  that  it  was  unanimously  adopted 
in  its  principle,  in  its  details,  and  as  a  whole. 

On  the  adoption  of  the  emergency  proposed  by  Senator 
Labonte,  with  regard  to  the  second  project  of  laws,  this  project 
was  also  unanimously  voted,  in  its  principles,  its  articles,  and  as 
a  whole.  These  acts  were  then  drawn  up  in  the  official  form, 
and  were  sent  to  the  Chamber  of  Representatives,  in  conformity 
with  the  Constitution,  where  they  were  unanimously  passed, 
without  alteration  or  amendment. 


ROUGH     NOTES     AND     ESSAYS. 


POMTICAL,    SOCIAL,    COMMERCIAL. 


I. 

of 


AS  in  all  the  Republics  of  the  tropics  and  Central  and  South 
America,  the  people  of  Hayti  are  divided  into  two  distinct 
parties,  —  the  enlightened  class  and  the  uneducated  mass.  In 
Hayti  we  can  discover,  side  by  side  with  the  highest  intelligence 
and  culture,  many  traces  of  the  primitive  superstitions  and 
ideas.  It  is  sufficient  for  the  purpose  of  a  Guide  Book  to  speak 
briefly  of  both  classes.  The  enlightened  class  may  be  de 
scribed  in  three  words  :  They  are  Frenchmen.  All  the  dis 
tinguishing  traits  of  the  Parisian  gentleman  are  reproduced  in 
the  educated  Haytian.  The  uneducated  class,  and  particularly 
the  people  of  the  country  —  les  habitans  —  have  the  character 
istics  that  are  attributed  to  the  inland  Irish  ;  they  are  hospita- 
able,  superstitious,  of  a  never-failing  good-nature,  thoughtless 
of  the  morrow,  with  a  quaint  and  prompt  mother-wit,  polite  and 
sociable,  but  without  ambition,  and  with  little  disposition  to 
regular  work.  Their  vices  are  contentment,  petty  theft,  and  a 
tendency  to  polygamy. 

With  these  exceptions,  they  are  characterized  by  all  who 
know  them,  even  by  pro-slavery  travellers,  as  essentially  a 
good  people,  and  capable  of  creating  a  great  future.  The  aim 
of  the  fallen  Government  was  to  crush  out  the.  enlightened 
class,  by  encouraging  the  ancestral  practices  and  ideas  of  the 
uneducated  party  ;  while  all  the  energy  of  the  present  Admin 
istration  is,  by  educational  and  other  civilizing  agencies,  to  ex- 


130  The  People  of  Hayti. 

terminate  ignorance  with  all  its  pestilential  progeny.  In  this 
noble  work,  it  is  hoped,  the  emigrant  will  come  in  aid. 

c  RIG  IN. 

The  blacks  of  Hayti  are  the  descendants  of  between  thirty  / 
and  forty  African  races.  These  races,  however,  are  now  with 
difficulty  recognized  ;  and  perhaps  not  half  of  them  have  pure 
representatives.  They  have  mingled  bloods,  and  become  one 
people.  In  the  days  of  slavery,  the  Congos  were  the  most 
numerous  of  the  imported  blacks.  Their  chief  characteristics 
were  described  to  be,  a  genial  disposition,  a  love  of  song  and 
of  the  dance,  an*  intelligent  spirit,  and  a  great  fondness  for 
plantains.  The  Senegals,  the  next  in  numbers,  most  nearly 
resembled  the  whites  in  character  and  feature ;  they  had  fine 
faces,  and  were  distinguished  by  their  silent  habits,  intellectual 
superiority,  and  bellicose  disposition.  The  Yolofs  possessed 
similar  traits.  The  other  imported  races  were  the  Calvaires, 
(from  Cape  Vert,)  the  Foulahs,  the  Bambaras,  the  Oniambas, 
the  Mandingas,  the  Bissagots,  the  Socos.  the  Bourignis,  the 
Canvas,  the  various  tribes  of  the  Gold  Coast,  the  Ardras,  the 

O        '  * 

Caplavus,  the  Mines,  the  Agonas,  the  Sofos,  the  Fantins,  the 
Cotocalis,  the  Popos,  the  Foedas,  the  Fonds,  the  Aonssas,  the 
Ibos,  the  Nagos,  the  Benins,  the  Mokos,  the  Mousombes,  the 
Mondongas,  and  a  few  from  Monomotapa,  Madagascar,  and 
Mozambique.  The  relics  of  their  languages  preserved  in  the 
Creole  dialect,  are  largely  of  Congo  origin ;  with  the  exception 
of  some  Vaudoux  verses  in  which  the  Ardra  and  Canga  tongues 
predominate.  This  circumstance,  however,  is  owing  to  the  facts 
that  the  Vaudoux  worship  is  of  Ardra  origin,  and  that  the  Ardra 
tongue  remained  the  language  of  its  ceremonies. 

There  are  very  few  traces  of  the  Indian  races  in  Hayti.  The 
aboriginal  inhabitants  were  utterly  extinguished  by  the  merciless 
and  mercenary  Spaniards.  Of  the  imported  Indians,  one 
occasionally  sees  memorials  in  the  longer  hair  and  more  regular 
beard  than  ordinarily  belongs  to  the  man  of  pure  African 


The  People  of  Hayti.  131 

descent.     The  present  President  had  ancestors  of  partly  Indian 
blood.     Indians  in  Hayti  have  all  the  rights  of  Blacks. 

LANGUAGE. 

The  language  of  the  educated  class,  of  commerce,  of  the 
Courts,  and  of  the  Court,  is  the  French;  and  a  knowledge  of 
it  is  absolutely  essential  to  every  one  -who  intends  to  reside  in 
Hayti.  Hence  the  emigrant  should  provide  himself  with  the 
necessary  text-books,  and  a  Dictionary  for  the  purpose  of  ac 
quiring  it.  The  language  of  the  common  people  is  Creole. 
From  an  essay  on  this  dialect,  written  during  my  second  visit  to 
Hayti,  I  subjoin  as  much  as  is  necessary  for  the  guidance  of  the 
emigrant. 

Haytian  Creole,  it  is  said,  is  easily  acquired,  but  is  so  unlike 
the  French  that  Frenchmen  at  first  do  not  understand  it.  It 
presents  three  difficult  elements  to  them  :  African  words,  French 
words  mispronounced  or  abbreviated,  and  a  peculiar  grammat 
ical  or  ungramrnatical  construction.  There  are  several  grades 
of  this  Haytian  patois ;  some  of  them  so  nearly  French  that  no 
translation  is  needed,  —  others  so  barbarous  or  bastard,  (le  gros 
Creole,)  that  hardly  any  resemblance  can  be  traced  to  the 
mother  tongue.  The  Creole  of  the  Eastern  Part,  the  mission 
aries  say,  is  much  more  nearly  like  the  Spanish,  than  the  dialects 
of  the  West  resemble  the  French  tongue.  In  the  lowest  Creole, 
the  proportion  of  African  words  is  probably  about  one  twentieth ; 
but  in  the  purest  dialect  the  proportion  is  exceedingly  small. 
"But  the  great  speciality  of  the  Creole,"  says  Mr.  Bishop,  in 
a  manuscript  now  before  me,  "is  abbreviation.  Conjunctions 
and  pronouns  are  mercilessly  sacrificed.  This  gives  rapidity  to 
the  language.  There  is  a  low  idiom  used  by  the  vulgar  in  dis 
tinction  from  that  used  by  the  more  refined  class.  There  is  also 
a  slight  difference  in  different  localities,  similar  to  the  provincial 
dialects  in  England,  but  not  so  widely  different.  The  Creole 
can  scarcely  be  acquired  by  any  but  a  resident,  and  he  must  be 
a  good  hand  at  retaining  words  to  do  anything  in  it.-  A  knowl 
edge  of  it  is  essential  to  any  one  who  has  dealings  with  the 


132  The  People  of  Hayti. 

lower  class  in  the  country,  and  small  towns  especially."  Sub 
stantive  plurals  are  unknown.  They  say  cheval  when  they 
mean  horses,  and  cheval  when  they  speak  of  a  horse.  Accents 
are  also  changed.  Instead  of  papier,  for  example,  they  say 
papier.  "  This  patois,"  says  Dr.  Brown,  "  has  few  inflections 
to  give  it  expressiveness,  but  this  quality  is  communicated  to  it 
in  perfection  by  a  vast  variety  of  modifications  of  voice  and  ges 
ture  in  the  person  speaking.  But  one  mood,  that  known  among 
grammarians  by  the  term  infinitive,  is  applied  to  the  verbs,  and 
the  differences  of  time  and  circumstances  are  expressed  by  pre 
fixing  the  particles  before  the  word.  Thus,  je  parle  is  express 
ed  moi  parler  f  je  parlais  by  moi  te  parler ;  the  particles  te 
and  va  being  corrupt  derivations  from  the  auxiliary  French 
verbs  etre  and  oiler  ;  and  the  phrase  signifying  literally,  —  Me 
.speak,  Me  was  spoke,  and  Me  going  to  speak.  It  is  said  that 
no  foreigner  is  capable  of  attaining  a  complete  knowledge  of  all 
the  occult  significations  and  the  varied  expressions  given  by  the 
natives  to  this  negro  French,  by  the  means  of  the  changes  and 
combinations  to  which  the  different  phrases  are  subjected  by  the 
speakers.  What  cannot  be  expressed  in  any  other  language, 
can  be  easily  uttered  or  signified  through  this  singular  flexibility 
of  the  Creole  tongue  by  means  of  one  or  two  words  adroitly 
selected  and  accompanied  by  the  peculiar  gesture  and  intonation 
significant  of  the  idea.  This  language  runs  readily  into  rhyme, 
and  the  blacks  express  both  their  joy  and  grief  by  song ;  and  by 
a  union  of  singing  and  pantomime,  they  mysteriously  describe 
their  future  designs  of  insurrection,  pillage,  or  love."  To  Mr. 
Bishop  I  am  indebted  for  the  following  conjugation  of  the  verb 
faire,  as  it  would  be  conjugated  if  the  Creole  had  a  gram 
mar: 

Indicative. 

Faire  — To  do. 

Present. 

M'a  pd  fait  *  —  I  am  doing. 

Ou'a  pG  fait  —  Thou  art  doing. 

*  This,  following  Dr.  Brown,  should  be  written  faire ;  but  as  both  words  are 
similarly  pronounced,  I  follow  Mr.  Bishop's  manuscript. 


The  People  of  Hayti.  133 

L'a  pe*  fait —  He  is  doing. 
N'a  pe*  fait —  We  are  doing. 
Ou'  a  pe"  fait —  You  are  doing. 
Y'  a  pe*  fait-*  They  are  doing. 

Imperfect. 

M'  ta  p<5  fait  —  I  was  doing. 
Ou  ta  p<5  fait  —  Thou  wast  doing. 
Li  ta  pe"  fait  —  He  was  doing. 
Nou  ta  pe*  fait —  We  were  doing. 
Ou  ta  pe*  fait  —  You  were  doing. 
Yo  ta  pe*  fait  —  They  were  doing. 

Pas.  Dcf. 

Mon  fait,  or  M'  te"  fait—  I  did. 
Ou  fait,  or  Ou  te"  fait  — Thou  didst. 
Li  fait,  or  Li  t6"  fait  —  He  did. 
Nou  fait,  or  Nou  to"  fait—  We  did. 
Ou  fait,  or  Ou  te  fait  — You  did. 
Yo  fait,  or  Yo  t£"  fait  — They  did. 

Pas.  Ind. 

Mon  fait  —  I  have  done. 
Ou  fait —  Thou  hast  done. 
Li  fait  —  He  has  done. 
Nou  fait  —  We  have  done. 
Ou  fait  —  You  have  done. 
Yo  fait  —  They  have  done. 

Pas.  Ante. 
M'  te  fait,  &c.,  &c.,  &c. 

Plus  que  Parf. 
M'  te*  fait,  &c.,  &c.,  &c. 
Future. 

M'  a  or  M*  va  fait  —  I  will  do. 
Ou'  a  or  Ou  va  fait —  Thou  wilt  do,  &c.,  &c. 

Put.  Ant. 

There  seems  to  be  no  idea,  in  Creole,  answering  to  —  I  will  have  done, 
except  it  be  the  same  as  the  former.* 

Condit. 

M'  ta  fait  —  I  would  do. 
Ou  ta  fait  —  Thou  wouldst  do. 
Li  ta  fait  —  He  would  do. 

Imper. 

Fait  —  Do  thou. 
Fait— Do  ye,  &c. 

*M'te"  va  fait,  ou  te"  va  fait,  &c.,  is  the  future  anterieur.— A.  TATE. 


•34 


The  People  of   Hayti. 


The  Creole  is  but  little  encumbered  with  rules  and  tenses.    I  do  not 
know  better  how  to  give  the  subjunctive  than  by  one  or  two  sentences. 

French. 
II  veut,      } 
II  exige, 


que  vous  fassiez  votre  devoir. 

Creole. 
ou  fait  devoir  ou. 


M'  pas  croud, 
Esse-ou  croud, 


II  desire, 

Li  vie, 
Li  exige", 
Li  ddsird, 

French. 

Jenecroispas,   )        ,  u  vienne? 
Croyez-vous,       } 

Creole. 

I   1'avini? 

French. 
J'  ai  juge*  qu'il  dut  faire  cela. 

Creole. 
Mon  juge  li  doit  fait  $a. 

Examples  of  Phrases. 

FRENCH.  ENGLISH.  CREOLB. 

Mon  pere,  My  father,  papa-moue*. 

Ton  pere,  Thy  father,  papa-ou. 

Son  pere,  His  father,  papa-li. 

Notre  pere,    .  Our  father,  papa -non. 

Votre  pere,  Your  father,  papa-ou. 

Leur  pere,  Their  father,  papa-yo. 

French —  La  Maison  de  mon  pere. 
Creole  —  La  kaie  papa  moue*. 
French — L'ami  de  son  frere. 
Creole —  Z'ami  fre  li, 
French — L'argent  de  cet  homme. 
Creole  —  L'agent  nomme-la. 

There  is  one  very  expressive  word  in  Creole,  used  to  express  anything 
and  everything,  and  that  word  is  Bagaie.  "  Bagaie  moue* "  means  every 
thing  belonging  to  me.  Thus:  "  Li  prend  bagaie  moue*,  li  pas  vie"  ba  moiie" 
li  —  He  has  taken  something  of  mine,  and  he  does  not  wish  to  give  it  back." 
There  is  one  singular  way  of  expressing  strongly  in  Creole,  which  resem 
bles  a  Hebrew  peculiarity  of  expression:  "  Alle*  m'a  pour  alle*.  Literally: 
"  Going,  I  am  going;  "  or  " I  am  really  going."  "  C'est  vie"  ou  pas  vie"  — It 
is  wishing  you  do  not  wish,"  or  '*You  really  do  not  wish."  "  Ou  raize* 
memo,  cdst  vini  ou  sa?  You  have  been  very  long — are  you  only  just 
come?  "  "  Ou  trompe*,  c'est  joudi  mon  vini?  "  "You  are  mistaken  (lit- 


The   People  of    Hayti. 


erally,)  is  it  to-day  that  I  am  come?  "  or  "I  have  been  come  some  time." 
The  meme  in  Creole  is  very  emphatic:  u  Li  aimd  meme  —  he  really  loves." 
"  Li  pas  td  vld  meme  —  he  would  not  consent  on  any  account."  All  the 
emphasis  in  pronunciation  is  thrown  upon  the  meme.  "  Eh,  bien  !  com 
ment  ou  (yd)?  "Well,  how  are  you?"  The  usual  answer  is:  "A  la 
volontd  maite  ;  "  or  "  a  la  volantd  de  Did." 

The  Lord's  Prayer  in  Creole. 

"  Papa-nou,  qui  n'en  ciel;  nou  'mandd  ou  fait  nom  ou  sanctifid;  fait 
regne  ou  veni,  fait  la  volontd  ou  fait  nen  terre  comme  n'en  ciel.  Ba  nou 
jourdi  la  nourriture  qui  va  suffit  nou  pour  la  jounde;  pardonnd  nou  pdche 
nou,  comme  nou  pardonne  $a  qui  pdchd  conte,  nou,  pas  quittd  nou  tombd 
nen  tentation  mais  oudtd  nou  nen  main  satan.  AMEN." 

The  translation  furnished  to  me  by  Mr.  Ackermann  is  some 
what  different.  I  subjoin  it,  also,  so  that  both  versions  may  be 
compared  with  the  French  original  :  — 

"  Papa  nou,  ou  qui  nen  ciel,  nom  ou  li  saint,  que  royaume  ou  pour  nou, 
et  que  volontd  ou  va  fait  sou  terre  cou  nen  ciel.  Bah  nou  di  pain  'joudi 
nou  besoin  et  pardon  pour  offences  nou  fait  ou,  cou  nou  a  pd  bay  pardon  a 
tout  moun  qui  offensd  nou  et  pas  quittd  nou  tombd  nen  tentation:  mais 
delivrd  nou  de  tout  sa  qui  mal,  ce  royaume  la  tout  c'est  pour  vou,  par  not 
seigneur.  AMEN." 

Creole  can  be  acquired  easily  in  three  or  six  months  if  one 
lives  among  the  people.  In  order  to  facilitate  the  acquisition 
of  the  dialect,  a  grammar,  with  conversations,  phrases,  songs, 
and  the  proverbs  of  Hayti,  in  Creole,  will  be  issued  under  the 
supervision  of  the  Bureau  of  Emigration. 

"With  the  blacks,"  says  Moreau  de  St.  Mery,  writing  of 
Hayti  at  the  clost  of  the  last  century,  "gestures  are  very 
numerous,  and  they  form  an  intrinsic  part  of  their  language. 
They  love,  above  all,  to  express  imitative  sounds.  Do  they 
speak  of  a  cannon  shot,  they  add  bourne  ;  of  at  musket  shot, 
poume  ;  of  a  blow  on  the  fsiGe,pimme  ;  of  a  kick,  or  blow  with 
a  stick,  bimme  ;  of  whipping,  v'lap  v'lap.  D^s  one  fall  down 
lightly,  they  add,  lap  ;  heavy,  it  is  bourn  ;  in  tumbling  down,  blou 
coutoum  ;  and  whenever  they  wish  to  render  an  imitative  sound, 
they  repeat  the  term  as  far,  far,  far,  far  away,  —  which  signifies 
at  a  great  distance." 


136  The  People  of  Hayti. 

INDUSTRY. 

The  chief  manufactures  of  Hayti  are  syrup,  rum,  and  taffia, 
which  is  a  kind  of  unclarified  rum,  nmc'h  used  by  the  lower 
people.  The  manufacture  of  brown  sugar  has  recently  been 
commenced.  Measures  are  said  to  be  in  progress  for  the  revival 
of  the  manufacture  of  white  sugar,  which,  since  the  days  of  the 
French,  has  never  been  a  flourishing  branch  of  industry  in 
Hayti.  Haytian  syrup  is  of  the  finest  quality,  as  it  contains 
all  the  juice,  not  the  mere  refuse  of  the  juice  of  the  sugarcane. 
A  variety  of  preserves  are  exported.  The  cities  furnish  brick 
layers,  masons,  cabinet-makers,  carpenters,  saddlers,  tailors, 
cordwainers,  coopers,  tanners  that  made  good  sole  leather, 
blacksmiths,  goldsmiths,  tinsmiths,  wheelwrights,  and  hatters. 
There  are  not  enough  hatters  to  supply  the  demand,  and,  in 
deed,  first-rate,  industrious  workmen,  in  any  trade,  would  soon 
be  able  to  establish  themselves.  There  are  no  saw-mills  in 
operation  in  Hayti,  no  brick-yards,  no  shingle  machines,  very 
few  ploughs,  and  none  of  our  improved  agricultural  implements. 
The  country  offers  a  large  field  for  their  introduction,  by  per 
sons  who  will  themselves  employ  them. 

The  Haytian  women  excel  in  all  kinds  of  needlework,  in 
embroidery  in  silk  and  cotton,  and  in  the  manufacture  of  wax 
flowers  and  fruits. 

The  Haytian  coasters,  which  are  from  ten  to  fifty  tons' 
burthen,  are  all  built  by  native  workmen.  The  ropes  generally 
used  in  the  country  districts  are  made  of  palm '  leaves  and 
hemp  ;  but  fine  ropes  are  also  made  from  the  leaves  of  the 
great  aloe.  For  domestic  purposes  water  crouches  are  manu 
factured  of  unglazed  ware  ;  and  oil,  for  burning,  is  extracted 
from  the  nut  of  J;he  Palma-Christi.  This  is  what  we  call  hot- 
drawn  castor  oiL  The  fine  arts  have  several  professors  at  the 
capital ;  and  the  Palace  has  many  of  the  best  works  of  Haytian 
painters.  The  bust  of  President  Genrard,_to  be  found  at  the 
Bureau  in  Boston,  will  give  an  idea  of  the  ability  of  the  Hay 
tian  artists  in  that  department  of  the  fine  arts. 


The  People  of  Hayti.  137 

POPULATION. 

The  population  of  the  Dominican  Republic  is  generally 
stated  at  120,000  ;  it  certainly  is  not  greater,  and  probably  is 
less.  No  reliable  census  of  Hayti  has  been  taken  since  the 
days  of  the  French;  because  the  country  people,  having  a 
traditional  aversion  to  such  an  enumeration,  have  thrown  numer 
ous  obstacles  in  the  way  of  one.  Their  ancestors  associated  the 
census  with  slavery ;  and  such  conjunctions  have  hitherto  been 
fatal  to  every  governmental  project  of  the  kind.  The  school- 
books  of  Hayti  state  its  population  at  800,000.  But,  after  a 
careful  study  of  all  the  statistics  that  have  been  published  since 
the  days  of  the  French,  and  a  review  of  the  various  causes 
which  have  tended  to  prevent  a  rapid  increase,  I  cannot  see 
how  the  present  population  of  Hayti  can  be  more  than  600,000. 
A  census  has  been  ordered  by  the  Government ;  and  this  point, 
therefore,  will  soon  be  decided.  There  are  not  five  hundred 
whites  in  Hayti. 


12* 


II. 

Notts  on  Religion  anir  (Education. 

THE   CATHOLIC    CHURCH. 

THE  history  of  the  Catholic  religion  in  Hayti  is  unique  and 
interesting.  Even  in  the  days  of  the  colonists,  the  power 
that  the  Pope  wields  in  other  Catholic  countries,  was  never 
exercised  in  Hayti ;  and,  since  the  dawn  of  the  National  Inde 
pendence  of  the  conquering  race,  that  deep-rooted  and  just 
jealousy  of  white  domination  which  led  the  fathers  of  the 
Constitution  to  confine,  forever,  to  men  of  African  and  Indian 
descent,  the  right  of  holding  real  estate  in  the  Island,  has  safely 
guarded  the  prerogatives  that  the  French  formerly  enjoyed 
against  all  the  encroachments  of  ecclesiastical  ambition.  Hence, 
for  many  years,  the  Haytian  people,  although  Catholics,  have 
professed  no  spiritual  allegiance  to  the  Pope.  The  Head  of  the 
State  has  also  been  the  Head  of  the  Church  —  and  the  anomaly 
has  been  presented  of  a  democratic  Catholic  church  —  a  church 
without  a  bishop  or  any  grade  of  superior  clergy !  All,  hitherto, 
have  been  priests  only,  receiving  their  appointment  from  the 
State.  This  independence,  however,  has  not  been  of  unmixed 
advantage.  The  necessity  of  having  priests  has  often  com 
pelled  the  past  Governments  to  appoint  any  one,  qualified  to 
perform  the  Catholic  ceremonies,  who  presented  himself  as  a 
candidate  for  the  office.  Hence,  the  unfrocked  priests  of 
Europe,  and  men  who  left  their  country  for  their  country's 
good,  have  frequently  been  appointed  the  spiritual  guides  of  the 
people.  Unprincipled,  licentious,  and  mercenary,  these  men, — 


Notes  on  Religion  and  Education.        139 

drunkards,  many  of  them,  and  living  openly  with  concubines, 

—  having  no  other  interest  in  the  well-being  of  the  people  than 
is  implied  in  the  right  of  receiving  their  fees,  instead  of  en 
couraging  marriage  and  discouraging  theVaudoux,  and  teaching 

—  not  only  by  precept  but  example — the  morality  of  the  Chris 
tian  religion,  have  brought  discredit  on  its  name,  contributed 
to  demoralize  their  flocks,  and  united  in  adding  to  Obeah  rites 
the  ceremonies  of  the  Catholic  faith.     With  a  few  noble  ex 
ceptions,  this  has  been  the  general  character  of  the  priests  of 
Hayti.     With  three  or  four  exceptions,  also,  these  men  have 
been  whites, —  natives  chiefly  of  Corsica ;  for  the  simple  country 
people  have  a  notion  that  whites  only  can  be  efficient  peres. 
(Many  of  them,  certainly,  in  one  sense,  have  been  very  efficient 
pcres.)     Under  such  a  state  of  things,  the  moral  progress  of 
the  people  must  necessarily  have  been  slow.     This  subject  has 
often   occupied   the  attention  of  past    Governments ;  but  the 
only  remedy  —  a  concordat  with  the  Pope  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  priests  of  good  repute  —  has  always  been  an  insur 
mountable  obstacle  in  the  way.     For  the   Haytian  Ruler  has 
always  refused  to  abdicate  his  chieftainship ;  and  the  Pope,  on 
the  other  hand,  has  inflexibly  insisted  on  the  absolute  control  of 
ecclesiastical  affairs.     This  difficulty  has  at  last  been  overcome 
by  the  concession,  on  the  part  of  the  Pope,  of  the  most  liberal 
concordat  that  has  ever  been  concluded  with  the  Holy  See.     It 
provides  that  the  Bishop  shall  be  appointed  by  the  President, 
subject  to  the  confirmation  of  the  Pope ;  and  to  this  Bishop  the 
power  shall  be  given  of  nominating  the   priests,  subject  to  the 
approval  of  the   President.     It  requires  that  the  bishop  and 
priests  shall  give  an  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  Haytian  Government. 
The  concordat  has  been  ratified  by  the  Senate  and  transmitted 
to  Rome  for  signature.     Under  Soulouque,  and  still,  (Septem 
ber,  I860,)  there  are  only  about  thirty  priests  in  the  Republic. 
There  will   be  seventy  when  the  Concordat  is  signed  and  in 
force.     The  church  in  Hayti  is  supported  by  the  fees  paid  by 
its  members  for  the  various  rites  performed  ;  and  by  a  trifling 


140       Notes  on  Religion  and  Education. 

annual  contribution  made  by  the  Government  for  tlie  repairs  of 
ecclesiastical  edifices.  The  law  fixes  the  rate  of  charges  for 
burials  and  high  masses,  which  are  paid  to  a  church-warden 
(Marguillier),  who  is  a  civil  officer,  and  who  expends  it,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Communal  Council,  for  the  use  of  the 
church  —  one  part  to  the  priest  and  his  assistants,  and  the  rest 
for  vestures,  and  the  other  necessities  of  the  Catholic  service. 
The  sums  paid  for  baptisms,  marriages,  and  petty  masses  are 
the  exclusive  income  of  the  priest. 

PROTESTANTISM. 

Protestantism  was  introduced  into  Hayti  in  1816,  by  the 
Wesleyan  Methodists  of  England,  at  the  special  invitation  of 
President  Petion ;  and  to  the  number  of  their  converts  were 
added,  in  1821,  many  of  the  emigrants  under  President  Boyer. 
There  are  now  about  1,400  Protestants  in  the  Republic.  The 
English  Wesleyan  Methodists  support  four  stations ;  the  Eng 
lish  Baptists  one  ;  and  the  United  States  one.  They  are  also 
two  Haytian  Protestant  churches.  The  largest  liberty  is 
allowed  to  Protestants  in  every  part  of  the  Republic ;  and  not 
only  the  exercise  of  their  faith,  but  the  fullest  right  to  promul 
gate  it  is  guaranteed  by  the  Government  and  Constitution  of 
the  country. 

RELIGIOUS   TOLERATION. 

Religious  toleration  is  a  prominent  characteristic  of  the  Hay 
tian  people.  Although  they  are  Catholics  they  have  never 
persecuted  Protestants.  No  civilized  nation  in  the  world  has 
so  stainless  a  record  on  this  point.  The  great  principle  of  toler 
ation  has  been  embodied  in  every  Constitution,  and  maintained 
under  every  form  of  Government  that  has  prevailed  in  Hayti, 
from  the  dawn  of  its  National  Independence. 

Dessalines,  who  completed  the  extinction  of  the  whites,  first 
proclaimed  the  doctrine  of  religious  toleration. 

In  the  Constitution  of  1805  of  the  Empire  of  Hayti,  the 
fifteenth  articl^  declares  that  the  "laws  admit  of  no  governing 
religion ;  "  the  fifty-first,  that  "  the  liberty  of  worship  is  toler- 


Notes  on  Religion  and  Education.       141 

atcd ; ' '  and  the  fifty-second,  that  ' '  the  State  makes  no  provision 
for  the  support  of  either  worship  or  minister." 

Petion,  the  first  President  of  the  Republic  of  Hayti,  made 
equally  liberal  provisions.  In  the  Constitution  of  1806,  the 
thirty-fifth  article  is,  "  The  Roman  Catholic  religion  being  the 
religion  of  all  the  Haytians,  is  the  religion  of  the  State.  It 
shall  be  specially  protected;  as,  also  its  ministers."  Article 
30  is,  "  The  law  allows  each  minister  the  extent  of  his  spiritual 
administration.  Their  ministers  cannot,  under  any  pretext, 
form  a  body  of  State."  Article  thirty-seventh  is,  "  Jft  here 
after,  other  religions  are  introduced,  no  person  shall  be  re 
strained  in  the  exercise  of  the  religion  of  their  choice  ;  pro 
vided  he  conforms  to  the  laws."  I  venture  the  assertion  that 
the  statute  book  of  no  other  nation  contains  so  remarkable  a 
provision,  —  the  assertion  of  the  right  of  religious  freedom  by  a 
nation  of  Catholics  only,  in  anticipation  of  a  possible  future 
contingency. 

Protestantism  was  introduced  under  Petion,  by  his  special 
invitation,  in  1817 ;  he  gave  the  missionaries  a  cordial  welcome, 
and  assured  them  of  perfect  liberty  to  preach,  travel,  and  build 
houses  of  worship  where  they  pleased. 

In  the  Constitution  of  1816,  under  Boyer,  the  forty-ninth 
article  reads,  "  All  religious  worship  is  permitted  in  the  Repub 
lic,  conformably  with  the  laws." 

By  the  Constitution  of  1843,  (under  Reviere,)  "  All  reli 
gions  are  equally  free.  Each  one  has  the  right  to  profess  his 
religion  and  worship  in  freedom ;  provided  he  does  not  disturb 
the  public  order." 

In  the  Constitutions  of  1846  and  1849,  (the  last  being  under 
the  Empire  of  Soulouque,)  the  rights  of  religious  freedom  and 
worship  arc  expressed  in  the  language  of  the  Constitution  of 
1843. 

The  Constitution  of  1846  is  m  vigor  now.  The  emphatic 
declaration  of  the  present  Government,  that  "  no  one  shall  be 
called  on  to  defend  the  Roman  Catholic  religion,  whether  he 


142       Notes  on  Religion  and  Education. 

believes  it  or  not,"  and  the  frequent  official  repetitions  of  its 
intention  to  permit  no  manner  of  religious  persecutions,  are 
guarantees  that  the  principle  of  religious  toleration  will  suffer 
no  abatement  under  the  enlightened  rule  of  President  Gcnrard 
and  his  ministers.  Such  official  guarantees,  however,  are  un 
necessary  ;  the  character  and  history  of  the  people  are  all  suffi 
cient.  If  there  are  those,  however,  who  desire  to  make 
"assurance  doubly  sure"  in  this  respect,  they  will  find 
ample  opportunities  of  doing  so  in  the  archives  of  the  Bureau 
at  Boston. 

EDUCATION. 

The  colonial  slaveholders  of  Hayti,  like  the  slaveholders  in 
our  Southern  States,  kept  their  bondmen,  as  much  as  possible, 
in  a  state  of  profound  ignorance ;  but,  unlike  their  American 
fellow-criminals  of  our  day,  instead  of  making  merchandise  of 
their  illegitimate  offspring,  they  freed  and  educated  them,  — 
often  sending  them  to  the  academies  and  colleges  of  France. 
Dessalines,  the  first  independent  ruler  of  Hayti,  did  not  en-i 
courage  education,  for  he  said  that  the  parade  ground  was  the 
best  school  for  his  people,  and  a  musket  the  fittest  text  book. 
Christophe,  however,  Petion,  and  Boyer,  pursued  a  different 
policy,  and  established  numerous  schools  in  every  part  of  the 
country.  Soulouque  did  nothing  for  education;  but,  both 
directly  and  indirectly,  encouraged  barbarism.  The  school  sys 
tem  withered  under  his  blighting  influence.  Since  the  estab 
lishment  of  the  present  Republic,  however,  energetic  efforts 
have  been  made  to  revive  and  extend  educational  institutions.* 
The  old  schools  have  teen  restored,  and  many  new  ones 


*  "  Primary  Instruction  has  made  noteworthy  progress;  the  schools  founded 
in  the  rural  sections,  since  the  devolution,  gather  together  the  youth  of  both 
sexes.  Government  proposes  to  make  these  schools  agricultural.  The  work 
of  the  fields,  which,  in  a  few  years,  will  be  directed  and  executed  by  practical 
men,  will  produce  important  results.  Four  National  Lycees,  89  primary  boys' 
schools,  21  primary  girls'  schools,  56  rural  schools,  a  girls'  boarding-school  i'or 
the  higher  branches  of  instruction,  a  naval  school,  a  school  of  medicine,  a 
echool  of  jurisprudence,  a  school  of  music,  a  school  of  painting,  instruct,  at 
the  expense  of  the  State,  in  all  the  extent  of  the  Republic,  13,000  pupils.  In 
private  schools,  also,  there  area  considerable  number  of  young  pupils  of  both 
sexes."—  Exposition  of  the  General  Situation  of  the  Republic,  Sept.  27, 1860. 


Notes  on  Religion  and  Education.        143 

founded.  Girls'  schools,  also,  which  had  not  previously  existed, 
have  been  recently  introduced.  Much  yet  remains  to  bo  done 
in  this  reform  ;  and  American  emigrants,  it  is  hoped,  will  give 
to  the  Government  an  energetic  aid  in  accomplishing  it.  The 
President  informs  the  editor,  (August,  I860,)  that  there  are 
now  twelve  thousand  children  attending  the  public  schools. 
There  are  eight  weekly  newspapers  published  in  Hayti ;  one  at 
Cape  Haytian,  one  at  Cayes,  and  six  at  Port-au-Prince. 


COPPER     00IXS    OF    HAYTI. 


III. 

emir   Commme. 


TTITHERTO  the  science  of  statistics  has  been  utterly  neg- 
-*-*•  lected  in  Hayti.  Up  to  the  date  of  the  fall  of  Soulouque, 
the  official  statistics  of  all  of  the  preceding  Governments 
•were  worse  than  useless  ;  for  they  were  the  result  of  a  delib 
erate  calculation  to  deceive  on  the  part  of  their  public  agents. 
Under  the  Empire,  for  example,  the  most  responsible  Custom- 
House  officers  received  a  nominal  salary  that  was  barely  suffi 
cient  to  keep  them  in  cigars.  Hence,  ships  heavily  laden  with 
French  or  English  goods,  which  should  have  paid  a  duty 
amounting  to  thousands  of  dollars,  were  often  reported  in  the 
Government  returns  as  having  arrived  —  with  ballast!  The 
comptrollers  got  rich  in  a  few  years  with  the  profits  of  such  bal 
last,  and  proslavery  politicians  in  America  became  Gradgrind- 
Jeremiahs  when  they  wrote  about  unfortunate  Hayti.  A  differ 
ent  system  has  been  established  by  Geffrard,  but  sufficient 
time  has  not  yet  elapsed,  owing  to  other  serious  and  pressing 
duties,  to  organize  a  systematic  Bureau  of  Statistics.  The  two 
following  articles,  however,  from  the  Travail,  (Port-au-Prince,) 
of  September  16,  1860,  are  official,  and  their  figures  as  nearly 
correct  as  it  is  possible  to  obtain  them  under  existing  circum 
stances.  An  addition  of  ten  per  cent,  on  all  the  figures  would 
give  very  nearly  the  true  result,  —  thus  allowing  for  the  differ 
ence  between  English  and  Haytian  weights  and  measures,  and 


Navigation  and  Commerce.  145 

admitted  errors  in  tlie  returns.     Tlio  first  article  is  on  the  com 
merce  between  Hayti  and  the  United  States : 

"  The  navigation  of  the  United  States  in  Hayti  employs, 
under  the  American  flag,  one  half  of  the  foreign  ships  that  fre 
quent  our  ports.  As  these  vessels  are  generally  smaller  than 
those  which  come  from  Europe,  they  represent  only  forty-two 
per  cent,  of  the  total  tonnage.  But  it  should  be  remarked  that, 
thanks  to  then:  full  cargoes  both  in  arriving  and  returning,  they 
can  fix  their  rate  of  freight  at  more  favorable  terms  than  their 
competitors.  The  remark  which  has  almost  become  an  axiom,, 
that  the  navigation  of  a  people  develops  itself  in  proportion  to 
the  products  exported,  finds  here  a  new  proof.  The  value  of 
the  importations  from  the  United  States,  and  the  amount  of  the 
duty  paid  by  them  to  the  treasury,  is  about  forty  per  cent,  of  the 
total.  It  represents  $2,250,000,  [worth  of  imports,]  of  which 
ninety  per  cent,  arrive  under  the  American  flag.  The  chief  of 
these  importations  are  pork,  in  its  different  forms,  and  flour,  which 
amount  to  about  fifty  per  cent,  of  them.  Subjoined  are  the 
figures  of  the  quantities  introduced,  and  of  the  indication  of 
their  value : 

Candles $20,000     Soap 215,000 

Butter  and  Cheese 40,000    Articles  of  which  similar  arc 

Gold  and  Silver 65,000        produced  in  the  countiy : 

Furniture  and  Manufac-  Lumber  and  Shingles 70,000 

tured  Wood 25,000    Bice 110,000 

Cotton  Stuffs 220,000    Other  Articles 65,000 

Flour 500,000     Tobacco,    in    Leaves    and 

Salt  Beef 20,000        Manufactured 150,000 

Fish 230,000    Refined  Sugar 15,000 

Pork,  Ham,  and  Lard. . .  475,000  .$2  250  000 

Iron 30,000 

"  Pork,  building  woods,  tobacco,  rice,  refined  sugar,  amount  to 
forty  per  cent,  on  the  total  importation.  In  proportion  as  our 
general  industry  shall  develop  itself,  the  importation  of  these 
articles  will  diminish ;  for  we  are  quite  as  well  situated  as  the 
United  States  to  produce  such  articles.  It  is  greatly  to  be 
13 


146  Navigation  and  Commerce. 

desired  that  our  culture  of  tobacco,  rice,  and  sugar,  should  be 
sufficiently  advanced  in  order  to  exclude  from  the  list  of  our 
consumptions  the  productions  of  the  Southern  States  of  the 
Union.  This  reduction,  however,  would  hardly  impede  our 
commerce  with  the  United  Sluios,  whose  growth  in  the  arts  and 
manufactures  increases  every  day.  What  our  exchanges  would 
lose  on  the  one  side,  they  would  gain  on  the  other ;  but  should 
our  economical  principles  suffer  by  it,  we  would  be  happy  to 
see  our  relations,  even  indirect,  with  the  South,  disappear  from 
our  commercial  tables.  We  have  one  regret  to  express  in  re 
lation  to  our  navigation, — it  is,  that  our  national  flag  has  dis 
appeared  from  our  intercourse  with  the  United  States.  In  1853, 
we  had  twenty  entries  under  the  Haytian  flag ;  to-day  we  have 
not  one.  This  result  is  due  to  the  unsldlfulness  of  the  Empire 
which  suppressed  the  additional  duty  of  ten  per  cent,  on  the 
flags  of  all  States  that  had  not  representatives  at  our  Capitol. 
This  was  not  only  a  disregard  of  our  own  interest,  but  it  was  a 
sacrifice,  also,  of  every  sentiment  of  national  dignity  to  admit 
an  American  agent  here,  when  a  reciprocal  right  was  refused  to 
us  at  Washington."  * 

The  next  article  relates  to  the  commerce  of  Port-au-Prince 
alone,  for  the  first  six  months  of  1860  : 

"  We  are  enabled  to  offer  our  readers  a  few  remarks  on  the 

*  Hayti  was  the  first  country,  after  the  United  States,  that  successfully  threw 
off  European  allegiance.  Yet,  up  to  the  present  time,  the  independence  of 
Hayti  has  never  been  acknowledged  by  the  great  American  Republic,  whose 
example  she  was  the  first  to  imitate;  although  France,  the  mother  country, 
England,  Spain,  Prussia,  Belgium,  and  all  Christendom,  have  done  so,— many 
of  them  having  ambassadors  and  consuls  in  Port-au-Prince,  and  receiving  at 
their  Courts  her  accredited  representatives.  We  have  recognized  the  indepen 
dence  of  every  unwashed  and  ragged-trousered  Republic  of  Central  and 
South  America;  even,  among  the  number,  petty  tribes  whose  kings,  as  a 
royal  costume,  wear  a  shirt  collar,  a  cigar,  and  a  pair  of  spurs.  We  have 
expensive  embassies  in  a  dozen  countries,  whose  united  commerce  with  us 
docs  not  amount  to  one  half  of  our  annual  commerce  with  Hayti.  Soulouque, 
with  imbecile  indifference,  permitted  commercial  agents,  instead  of  consuls,  to 


mentioned  in  the  text.  No  change  has  yet  been  made  by  the  Government  of 
the  Republic,  but  should  the  result  of  the  approaching  Presidential  election 
Bhow  that  our  policy  toward  Hayti  is  to  be  continued,  energetic  measures,  it  ia 
said,  will  at  once  be  taken  to  curtail  and  transfer  to  the  more  courteous  pro 
vinces  North  of  us,  the  large  and  increasing  commerce  that  we  now  carry  oa 
•with  her. 


Navigation  and  Commerce.  147 

commercial  activity  of  Port-au-Prince  during  the  first  six  months 
of  I860,  as  well  as  the  amount  of  duty  collected  by  the  Cus- 
tom-IIouse  of  the  same  port  in  the  same  time. 

"The  import  tonnage  has  risen  to  17,865  tons;  and  the  export 
to  19,860.  As  usual,  the  United  States  hold  the  first  rank, 
and  are  represented  in  the  following  table  by  9,600  tons. 

Franco 5,000  tons. 

England 2,200    " 

Hanover,  Denmark,  Sweden,  Hamburg,  Belgium,  Holland,  and 
Spain,  complete  the  list, 

"  The  amount  of  the  invoices  of  importation  is  $1,438,145, 
Spanish.  • 

For  the  United  States $665,400 

For  England 343,870 

For  France 228,680 

The  countries  named  above  make  up  the  difference. 

"The  amount  of  exportation,  reduced  into  Spanish  dollars,  at 
the  rate  of  fourteen  Haytian  dollars  to  one  Spanish,  $1,408,000. 
This  comprises  : 

France $775,000 

United  States .». 275,000 

England 190,000 

And  the  other  countries. 

"  The  import  duties  amount  to  $300,000. 

United  States $104,000 

France 74,000 

England 53,000 

Other  countries 69,000 

"The  export  duties  amount  to  $275,000. 

France $135,00 

United  States 46,000 

England 33,000 

Other  countries 61,000 

"  Exportation  comprises  the  following  products  : 

Coffee ^15,000,000  pounds. 

Logwood 8,400,000      " 

*  Add  nearly  eight  per  cent.  (7.958)  for  the  difference  between  Haytian  and 
avoirdupois  pounds. 


148  Navigation  and  Commerce. 

Cotton 93,000  pounds. 

Cocoa 685,000      " 

Mahogany 83,000  feet. 

"  The  exportation  of  Coffee  in  French  vessels  has  amounted  to 
7,500,000  pounds. 

American 2,300,000  pounds. 

English 1,835,000      " 

Danish.. 1,060,000      " 

Swedish 750,000      " 

Other  countries 1,555,000      " 

"It  will  be  observed  on  examining  the  above  figures,  that  the 
imports  and  exports  are  nearly  to  the  same  amount,  —  a  fact 
which,  if  it  were  general,  would  indicate  a  healthy  condition  in 
the  commerce  of  importation. 

"  As  is  usually  the  case,  the  amount  of  merchandise  coming 
from  France  is  in  proportion  neither  to  the  special  tonnage  of 
that  country  nor  to  the  exportation.  Thus,  for  a  half-yearly  im 
portation  of  about  1,200,000  francs,  France  has  received  in 
return,  5,000,000  of  francs  of  our  produce. 

' '  The  difference  is  explained  by  the  preference  given  to  our 
Coffee  by  the  French;  a  preference  on  which  speculators  have 
depended,  on  the  strength  of  the  new  law  in  France;  on  the 
other  hand,  the  imports  from  the  United  States  and  England  are 
double  the  amount  of  the  remittances  under  their  flags.  This 
fact  proves  that  the  commerce  with  America  and  England  has 
been  transacted  through  drafts  on  France,  and  that  American 
vessels,  of  a  tonnage  so  considerable  on  the  comparative  table, 
have  been  laden  with  articles  of  small  value.  Indeed,  out  of 
8,400,000  pounds  of  logwood  exported,  the  United  States  have 
taken  6,200,000. 

"  Another  observation  worthy  of  remark  is,  that  for  an  impor 
tation  of  $228,680,  the  French  have  paid  $74,000  for  import 
duty,  or  33  per  cent.,  and  the  English  for  $343,870,  have  paid 
only  $53,000,  or  less  than  16  per  cent.  Although  the  mer 
chandise  received  from  France  is  often  composed  of  articles  of 
luxury,  we  think  there  is  occasion  to  examine  the  question  under 


Navigation  and  Commerce.  149 

its  several  aspects.  Certainly  the  tonnage  duty,  weighing  ac< 
cording  to  our  system  on  the  imports,  modifies  the  proportion, 
since  on  one  hand  5,000  tons  represent  only  a  value  of  $228,- 
680,  whilst  on  the  other,  2,200  tons  give  $343,870.  But  this 
circumstance  is  not  sufficient  to  explain  so  great  a  difference. 
We  think  it  would  be  good  in  the  interest  of  the  consumer  to 
take  these  observations  into  consideration.  Many  article's  which 
have  been  long  looked  upon  as  things  of  luxury,  are  made  to 
day  at  very  low  prices,  and  would  be  accessible  with  a  moderate 
duty,  but  are  excluded  from  our  habits  by  a  heavy  tax.  How 
ever,  we  reason  on  existing  facts,  reserving  any  discussion  on 
sumptuary  taxes.  The  duty  on  American  cargoes,  which  are 
composed,  for  the  most  part,  of  provisions,  has  been  likewise 
below  16  per  cent." 

By  far  the  largest  portion  of  the  exports  and  imports  occurs 
in  the  autumn  months  of  October,  November,  and  Decem 
ber.  During  the  first  six  months  of  every  year,  not  more  than 
one  third  of  the  annual  exports  and  imports  are  made.  The 
foregoing  figures,  therefore,  must  be  regarded  in  the  light  of  this 
fact,  to  give  a  true  result  in  estimating  the  yearly  commerce 
of  the  capital. 

So  far,  for  the  commerce  between  the  States  and  Hayti,  and 
for  the  trade  of  the  chief  port.  These  subjoined  figures,  which 
are  also  official,  will  give  an  idea  of  the  general  commerce  of  the 
Republic :  "  The  exportations  of  Hayti  employ  annually  be 
tween  500  and  600  vessels,  giving  a  total  of  about  70,000  tons, 
distributed  among  the  following  nations : 

SHIPS.  TONNAGE. 

United  States 250 30,000 

England 90 12,000 

France 70 12,000 

Gcrmany-jDanish,  Swedish,  Rus 
sian  50 8,000 

Holland,  Belgium,  Italian,  Cen 
tral  America,  Spanish 50 7,000" 

13* 


150  Navigation  and  Commerce. 

To  these  figures  must  be  added  25  per  cent.,  in  order  to  arrive 
at  their  registry  tonnage ;  for  the  Haytian  mode  of  computation 
gives  invariably  between  25  and  30  per  cent,  less  than  the 
ship's  register. 

**  The  import  duties  paid  to  the  State,  tinder  the  Empire, 
averaged  between  $800,000  and  $900,000  annually,  and  were 
derived  as  follows : 

United  States $300,000 

England 190,000 

France 190,000 

Other  Flags 180.000 

"  The  annual  exportations  of  the  principal  staples  may  be 
estimated  thus : 

Coffee 50,000,000  Ibs.  Haytian. 

Logwood 50,000,000    "          " 

Cotton 700,000  minimum. 

Cocoa 1,200,000  Ibs.  Haytian. 

Mahogany 2,500,000  feet  reduced/' 


IV. 

political 


TERRITORIAL   DIVISIONS   OF   THE   REPUBLIC. 

POLITICALLY,  the  Republic  is  divided  into  departments  ; 
J-  the  departments  into  arrondissements  ;  the  arrondissements 
into  communes  ;  and  these  last  into  rural  sections. 

The  departments  have  no  commanders-in-chief  ;  but  each 
arrondissement  has  a  commander,  who,  up  to  the  present  time, 
has  always  been  an  officer  of  superior  rank.  They  receive 
their  orders  from  the  different  Secretaries  of  State,  whore  they 
represent  in  their  respective  arrondissements;  they  are  the 
political  administrators,  and  are  intrusted  with  the  superintend 
ence  of  the  high  police. 

Each  commune  also  is  commanded  by  a  military  officer,  who 
is  responsible  to  the  commander  of  the  arrondissement  of  which 
the  commune  forms  a  part. 

The  rural  sections  of  the  communes  are  commanded  by  officers 
of  rural  police,  who  are  responsible  to  the  commander  of  the 
commune. 

There  are  five  departments,  to  wit,  the  departments  of  the 
South,  the  West,  the  Artibonite,  the  North  and  Northwest. 

There  are  twenty-one  arrondissements,  viz  :  Cayes,  Tiburon, 
Grand'  Anse,  Nippes,  Aquin,  Jacmel,  Leogane,  Port-au-Prince, 
Mirebalais,  Lascahobas,  St.  Mark,  Gonai'ves,  Marmelade,  Mole, 
St.  Nicholas,  Port  de  Paix,  Borgne,  Cape  Haytian,  Limbe, 
Grande  Riviere,  Trou,  Fort  Liberte.  There  are  fifty-five 
communes. 


152  Political   Notes. 

For  the  administration  of  justice,  tlie  territory  of  the  Repub 
lic  is  divided  into  seven  civil  jurisdictions,  which  also,  as  has 
been  already  seen,  takes  cognizance  of  criminal,  correctional, 
and  maritime  or  admiralty  cases,  to  wit,  the  jurisdiction  of 
Cayes,  Jeremie,  Jacmel,  Port-au-Prince,  Gonai'ves,  Cape  Hay- 
tian,  and  Port  de  Paix. 

The  civil  tribunals  have  their  sittings  in  these  to*wns,  —  the 
chief  places  of  the  jurisdiction.  The  tribunals  of  Commerce 
also  have  their  sittings  in  them,  and  extend  their  jurisdiction 
over  the  same  divisions. 

The  tribunal  of  Cassation  sits  in  the  capital. 

Each  commune  has  a  Police  Court,  (Tribunal  de  Paix,)  the 
jurisdiction  of  which  extends  over  the  commune. 

For  the  administration  of  Finances,  the  territory  is  di 
vided  into  ten  financial  arondissements,  to  wit,  Cayes,  Aquin, 
Jeremie,  Nippes,  Jacmel,  Port-au-Prince,  St.  Mark,  Gonai'ves, 
Port  de  Paix,  Cape  Haytian.  The  administrators  reside  in 
these  towns,  the  ports  of  which  are  the  only  ones  opened  to 
foreign  commerce.*  They  have  under  their  orders,  the  respec 
tive  treasurers,  the  directors  of  customs,  and  the  Government 
storekeepers ;  and  besides,  the  Government  overseers,  who,  in 
the  communes,  hold  all  the  administrative  functions. 

STATE  REVENUE  AND  DEBTS. 

The  State  Revenues  are  drawn  from  the  duties  on  exports 
and  imports,  harbor  dues,  stamps,  registry  fees,  the  sales  and 
leases  of  public  lands  and  buildings,  and  the  "patents"  or 
licenses  of  merchants.  The  State  income  averages  over 
$2,000,000  per  annum.  Of  this  amount  about  $800,000  are 
derived  from  the  tax  on  coffee.  The  import  duties  range  be 
tween  $900,000  and  $l,200,000.f  An  immense  future  income 
will  probably  be  derived  from  the  exploitation  of  the  woods, 
islands,  and  mines  of  the  Republic.  The  National  Debt  con 
tracted  for  the  "  Indemnity,"  and  a  loan  from  France,  amounts 

*  The  open  port  of  Nippes  is  Miragoane  ;  the  other  towns  bearing  also  the 
names  of  the  arrondissenients. 

t  In  1860,  the  Custom-House  of  Port-au-Prince  alone  yielded  $700,000  of  import 
duties.— A.  TATE. 


Political   Notes.  153 


to  about  $8,000,000  ;  which  will  be  totally  extinguished  in 
1879,  by  the  payments  annually  made  according  to  the  treaty. 
The  paper  money  in  circulation  amounts  to  between  two  and 
three  millions  of  American  dollars  in  value. 

ARMY. 

Every  Haytian  has  been  trained  to  military  duty.  The 
armed  force  of  the  nation  has  always  been  large.  The  standing 
army  of  the  Republic,  under  Boyer,  was  40,000  men ;  and 
under  Soulouque,  shortly  before  his  abdication,  it  reached 
22,000.  The  history  of  the  country  will  explain  this  extraor 
dinary  fact,  by  showing  how  the  maintenance  of  the  national 
Independence,  and  the  rivalries  of  rulers,  have  seemed  to  render 
a  numerous  armed  body  indispensable.  The  reduction  of  this 
force  to  the  lowest  possible  point,  is  a  reform  thSt  every  patriot 
desires  to  see  accomplished,  and  one  which  the  present  admin 
istration  is  rapidly  achieving.  The  army  has  already  been 
reduced  to  10,900  men.  It  is  thus  organized  and  divided  : 

32  regiments  of  Infantry  -  -         6,400  men. 

4  regiments  of  Artillery  -  1,000   " 

8  Corps  de  Garde        -  3,000   " 

Cavalry   -  500   " 

10,900   " 

The  police,  which  is  also  an  armed  body,  numbers  3,100 
men. 

Not  more  than  one  half  of  the  army  is  engaged  in  duty  at 
the  same  tune ;  for  it  is  otherwise  organized  than  the  forces  of 
the  United  States.  "  The  armed  force,"  says  a  Haytian  author, 
"  is  divided  into  the  paid  National  Guard  and  the  unpaid 
National  Guard.  The  first  class  includes  all  those  who  live 
under  the  rule  of  military  discipline ;  the  second  class,  every 
one  capable  of  bearing  arms,  —  which  the  law  makes  the  duty 
of  all  men  between  the  ages  of  fifteen  and  sixty  years.  Ordi 
narily,  but  a  very  small  number  of  the  soldiers,  (the  first  class,) 
are  in  service  each  week  in  their  respective  garrisons  or  cantons, 


154  Political   Notes. 

while  the  rest  are  left  at  liberty  to  work  at  their  respective  in 
dustrial  occupations,  and  particularly  at  the  cultivation  of  the 
fields ;  Ibut,  at  the  slightest  indication  of  danger,  these  soldiers 
rush  spontaneously  to  their  colors.  The  unpaid  National  Guard 
drills  on  the  first  Sunday  of  every  month,  and  are  reviewed  in 
the  communes  in  which  they  reside.  In  case  of  war  they  join 
the  military  force,  and  are  actively  associated  with  them.  The 
commanders  of  arrondissements  have  under  then*  order  the 
National  Guard  of  their  respective  arrondissements;  at  their 
requisition  they  formed  themselves,  for  the  trial  of  military 
offences,  into  special  councils,  which  assembled  at  the  chief 
towns  of  the  arrondissements. " 

The  police  receive  seven  Haytian  dollars  weekly;  the  com 
mon  soldiers,  ^vo  dollars,  for  rations,  and  an  occasional  small 
bounty ;  the  President's  Body  Guard,  (Les  Tirailleurs,)  two 
dollars  a  day,  with  rations  and  clothing.  In  1859,  the  expense 
of  the  army,  including  the  police,  amounted  to  $555,000  Hay 
tian;  by  the  last  reduction  in  numbers,  it  will  cost  $350,000 
for  the  present  year.  Still  further  reductions  will  be  made  in 
future. 

NAVY. 

The  navy  of  Hayti,  under  Soulouque,  consisted  of  six  small 
vessels,  which  were  used  for  the  purpose  of  transporting  pro 
visions,  prisoners,  soldiers,  or  messages  from  port  to  port.  It 
is  now  suppressed.  Two  steam  vessels  —  "  The  Geffrard,"  and 
"  The  22d  of  December  "  — made  in  France,  have  been  sub 
stituted  for  it. 

LAWS. 

The  laws  of  Hayti  consist  of  the  provisions  of  the  "  six 
codes,"  which,  with  some  modifications,  are  a  copy  of  the  Code 
Napoleon.  The  six  codes  were  published  in  1825.  The  laws 
passed  since  that  time  have  not  been  yet  codified.  The  Presi 
dent,  in  certain  prescribed  cases,  has  the  power  of  making  p»- 
visional  enactments,  "Arretes,"  which  are  in  force  until  the 
meeting  of  the  Chambers ;  when,  if  the  Legislative  bodies 


Political   Notes.  155 


ratify  them,  they  become  statute  laws ;  if  not,  they  lose  their 
efficacy.  (See  Constitution.)  Before  a  law,  passed  by  the 
Chambers,  is  enforced,  it  must  be  proclaimed  by  authority  of 
Ihe  President.  This  proclamation  is  made  by  a  public  reading 
of  the  law  by  a  military  company  in  every  city,  town,  village, 
and  commune  in  the  Republic. 

CURRENCY. 

It  is  the  peculiar  maxim  of  Haytian  merchants  that  gold  is 
merchandise ;  fluctuating  in  value  like  other  articles  of  com 
merce.  That  is  to  say,  the  relation  that  gold  (called  monnaie 
forte  or  piastres)  bears  to  the  currency  of  the  country,  (or 
monnaie  nationale,)  is  subject  to  the  ordinary  changes  of  trade. 
The  entire  retail  commerce  of  the  country  is  carried  on  in 
national  money,  of  which  the  standard  is  the  gourde,  sometimes 
also  called  the  Haytian  dollar.  At  different  times  of  the  year 
the  value  of  the  piastre  ranges  at  from  twelve  to  sixteen 
gourdes ;  but  in  seasons  of  political  trouble,  as  when  the  Revo 
lution  was  progressing,  it  has  even  reached  nineteen.  The 
most  noteworthy  fact  connected  with  the  national  currency  is, 
that  it  chiefly  consists  of  paper  money,  —  bills,  of  about  twice 
the  size  of  American  bank  notes,  of  one  and  two  gourdes  in 
value.  "When  the  rate  of  exchange,  or,  as  they  say  in  Hayti, 
the  value  of  the  piastre,  is  as  one  to  twelve,  a  gourde  is  worth 
8J  cents  American  currency  ;  and  a  bill  of  two  gourdes,  there 
fore,  161  cents.  There  are  also  metallic  coins, —  four  gourdes, 
two  gourdes,  one  gourde,  and  half  a  gourde,  in  silver-alloyed 
pieces ;  and  the  one  gourdine,  (J  gourde,)  the  gros  cob,  (of 
which  there  are  12  in  a  gourde,)  and  the  petit  cob,  (of  which 
there  are  24,)  of  copper.  The  value  of  one  gros  cob  and  one 
petit  cob,  is  called  an  escalin,  of  which  eight  would  make  a 
gourde  ;  but.  like  the  pence  and  shillings  of  New  England,  there 
is  no  coin  of  the  name.  Twelve  French  pounds  weight  of  copper 
money  is  worth  a  hundred  Haytian  dollars.  You  can  do  noth 
ing  in  the  retail  and  internal  trade  with  gold  in  Hayti.  It  is 
only  the  wholesale  importing  business  of  the  country  that  takes 


Political   Notes. 


cognizance  of  piastres  and  doubloons.     The  coins  of  Hayti  have 
national  stamps.* 

HAYTIAN    WEIGHTS   AND    MEASURES. 

The  old  French  weights  and  measures  are  the  standards  of 
Haytian  weights  and  measures,  as  follows  : 


Haytian. 

American  Avoirdupois  pounds. 

Kilos,  modern  Frcncn. 

1  lb  

=       1.0795864  

—      0  4895 

2   «    .... 
3   "    .... 

=       2.1591708  

—       3.2387562    . 

=      0.9790 
—      1  4685 

4  "    .... 

—       4.3183416  

=      1  9580 

5  "    .... 

—       5.3979270  

—      2  4475 

10   "    .... 

—       10  795854  .  . 

—      4  8950 

100   "    .... 

—       107.95854  

—    48  9500 

LINEAR  OR  LONG  MEASURE. 


Haytian. 

American. 

French. 

1-  foot  

—      1.065633  feet 

—    0  3248  metres 

2  feet  

-      2.121272    "   

—    0  6596       " 

3    "     

s=      3  196909    " 

—    0  9744       " 

4    "     

—      4.262545    " 

—    1  3192       " 

6    "     

—      5.328181    "  

—    1  6240       t; 

10    "     

=    10.656363    «  

—    3.2480       " 

100    "     

—  106  5636S2    " 

CfO  AQfjO           « 

*  The  pieces  hear  the  denomination  of  1  gourde ;  50  cents ;  25  cents ;  and 
i'Q  cents,  silver  coins.  6  cents;  2  cents;  1  cent,  copper.  In  1852  the  value  of 
all  Haytian  metallic  coins  was  raised  fourfold;  thereby  bringing  them  up  to 
their  intrinsic  value,  with  a  view  to  prevent  the  very  extensive  exportation  of 
them,  which  was  illicitly  carried  on,  and  left  a  handsome  profit  to  the  smug- 
ler.—  C.H.B. 


Political   Notes.  157 


SUPERFICIAL  OR    SQUARE   MEASURE. 

Haytian.                                  American  gq.  ft. 

One  carrcau,  or  the  square  on  a  base  ~\ 
of  350  Ilaytian  feet,  or  372.97259832  >  =     139108.56035076 

American  sq.  yd 

=  15456.50670 

=  30913.01340 
—  463G9.  52010 

.     —      278217.12070150 

3       "                   ... 

—      417325.68105228 

4       «         

—      656434.24140300 

=  61826.02680 
=  77282.53350 
=  154565.06705 
=  1545650.67056 

5       " 

—      695542.80175360 

10       " 

—      1391085.6035076 

100       " 

..  —      13910856.035076 

100       "        equal  319.34931  acres ;  1  carreau  equals  3.1935  acres. 
1  carreau  equals  12913.1424  French  square  metres. 

LIQUID  MEASURE. 

Ilaytian  gallon  equals,  231  cubic  inches,  English. 

or,  0.833111  Imperial  gallon,  English. 

or,  3.78520  French  litres. 

1  French  litre  equals  61.027051313  cubic  inches,  English. 
Ilaytian  gallon  equals  3  quarts  and  nearly  j,  or  3.332444  quarts. 

LEGAL   EIGHTS    OF   WHITES. 

The  legal  rights  of  the  white  race  in  Hayti  are  not  very 
numerous.  They  cannot  possess  real  estate,  nor  hold  mort 
gages  for  longer  than  nine  years ;  they  cannot  become  citizens, 
and,  consequently,  can  neither  vote  nor  attain  political  position ; 
if  they  marry  Haytian  women,  even,  they  cannot  inherit  their 
landed  property,  but  only  the  proceeds  of  it  when  sold  at  a 
public  action.  They  can  be  wholesale  merchants,  artists,  me 
chanics,  professors,  teachers,  clerks,  engineers,  and  the  lessees 
of  estates ;  but  the  retail  trade,  the  bar,  and  the  bench,  military 
honors  and  civil  distinctions  have  not  been  placed  within  the 
scope  of  their  attainment.  In  social  life,  however,  and  in  the 
callings  for  which  they  are  legally  qualified,  they  are  treated 
with  all  the  courtesy  and  regard  to  which  their  character  entitles 
•them.  Exemplary  conduct  on  their  part  always  enables  them 

14 


i58 


Political   Notes. 


to  overcome  the  social  disadvantages  attaching  to  their  unfor 
tunate  color. 

THE   HAYTIAN    EMBLEMS. 

As  the  Coat  of  Arms  of  Hayti  will  be  found  in  the  title-page, 
it  is  unnecessary  to  describe  it.  The  Haytian  flag  is  truly  sig 
nificant  :  it  is  the  French  flag  with  the  colors  reversed  and  the 
white  element  stricken  out.  It  consists  of  two  colors  horizon 
tally  placed,  the  red  beneath  the  blue. 


SILVER    COINS    OF     HAYTI. 


V. 

Wistasts  of  §ayt\  anir  tljctr  Hcmebics. 

. 

THE  catalogue  of  diseases  in  Hayti  does  not  present  anything 
nearly  so  complex  in  character,  nor  so  many  varieties  of 
types,  as  are  known  to  exist  in  colder  latitudes,  and  in  countries 
where  annually  the  four  seasons'  succeed  each  other  more  uni 
formly,  and  where  each  in  particular  is  characterized  by  sudden 
thermometric  fluctuations  and  meteorological  transitions.  In  the 
maritime  towns,  and  in  marshy  situations  near  the  scacoast, 
during  the  hot  months,  and  also  towards  the  fall  of  the  year, 
remittent,  bilious-remittent,  or  inflammatory  remittent,  typhus, 
and  simple  continued  fevers,  and  intermittent^  of  the  tertian 
type,  usually  prevail. 

An  attack  from  any  one  form  of  these  fevers  is  more  or  less 
serious,  if  not  decidedly  dangerous ;  the  intensity,  character, 
and  termination,  are  always  influenced,  as  in  other  hot  countries, 
by  the  habits  and  temperament  of  the  patient's  body,  as  well  as 
by  the  nature  of  the  locality  where  the  disease  originates. 

Individuals  of  sober,  regular  habits,  who  are  cleanly  in  their 
persons,  and  whose  constitutions  are  not  injured  by  the  use  of 
spirituous  liquors  and  other  excesses,  may  live  in  Hayti  to  an 
advanced  age  without  having  been  subjected  to  many  serious 
attacks  of  fever,  or  other  malignant  malady ;  and  this  remark 
applies  even  to  the  white  or  European  resident,  who  is  evidently 
much  more  predisposed  to  fall  under  the  evil  effects  of  hot 
climates,  and  is  more  obnoxious  to  the  diseases  of  torrid  coun 
tries,  than  persons  of  African  blood. 


160  Diseases  of  Hayti. 

The  typhus  icterodes,  or  yellow  fever  of  the  West  Indies, 
may  be  considered  to  be  a  remittent-bilious,  inflammatory  fever, 
of  insidious  typhoid  tendency,  and  is  most  intolerant  towards  the 
unaccllmated  white  blood  of  Northern  countries ;  its  malignity 
is  to  be  dreaded,  most  especially  by  those  of  plethoric,  ardent, 
and  irritable  habits.  The  strong  and  vigorous,  the  uncleanly 
and  intemperate,  are  most  liable  to  the  disease,  when  they  fall 
under  its  influence  in  the  West  Indies. 

Of  the  several  maritime,  commercial  ports  of  Hayti,  that  of 
Port-au-Prince  has  acquired  great  notoriety  on  account  of  the 
predominance  there  of  the  yellow  fever  at  certain  periods.  This 
is  not  to  be  denied.  But  there  are  aggravating  circumstances 
connected  with  it  that  have  been  seldom  examined  and  classed 
as  such,  if  not  the  primary  exciting  causes  of  the  sickness  which 
so  often  prevails  among  foreign  shipping  in  the  harbor  of  Port- 
au-Prince,  as  well  as  in  the  ports  of  some  other  islands,  reputed 
to  be  equally  the  seats  of  yellow  fever.  The  foreign  vessels  that 
frequent  annually  this  harbor,  with  the  exception  of  two  or 
three  regular  traders,  acting  as  packets,  are  all  of  the  worst 
class,  in  respect  *to  those  arrangements  necessary  to  preserve 
health  in  a  hot  country.  They  are  most  unwholesome,  generally, 
in  their  interior  conditions,  — the  pervading  atmosphere  of  their 
holds,  or  lower-decks,  being  essentially  mephitic.  Such  vessels, 
for  the  most  part,  are  taken  up,  no  doubt,  more  on  account  of 
the  cheapness  of  freight,  than  of  their  sanitary  condition ;  in 
addition  to  which,  they  are  managed  by  mariners  of  different 
nations,  who  habitually  are  filthy  in  their  persons,  reckless,  and 
most  intemperate  in  character  and  habits,  and  whose  quarters 
on  shipboard,  and  mode  of  living  in  them,  are  better  calculated 
to  engender  than  to  prevent  disease  within  the  tropics.  If,  be 
sides  this,  we  notice  with  regard  to  their  manner  of  clothing, 
and  kind  and  quality  of  food,  that  nothing  is  changed  from  what 
they  were  in  frigid  climates,  it  will  scarcely  be  a  matter  of  sur 
prise  that  so  many  of  that  class  of  men  fall  victims  when  at- 


Diseases  of  Hayti.  161 

tacked  by  febrific  diseases,  and  when  placed  in  situations  in  the 
West  Indies  favorable  to  the  development  of  the  yellow  fever. 

It  might  appear  strange  when  it  is  known  that,  even  during 
the  period  of  yellow-fever  epidemic,  the  malady  is  usually  con 
fined  to  the  harbor,  and  among  the  mariners  and  strangers  on 
board  foreign  vessels;  the  natives  enjoy  perfect  immunity. 
This  form  of  fever  does  not  attract  attention  in  the  town,  other 
wise  than  when  sailors  and  others,  who  have  been  seized  by  it 
on  shipboard  in  the  harbor,  are  carried  on  shore  for  treatment 
or  interment. 

During  twenty  odd  years'  practice  in  Hayti,  I  cannot  recol 
lect  having  treated  a  black  person,  or  one  of  color  of  near  affin 
ity  in  blood  to  the  African,  who  has  died  in  Hayti  from  black 
vomit.  I  have  treated  many  such  persons  attached  to  vessels 
in  various  capacities,  and  whose  places  of  birth  were  reported  to 
be  the  United  States,  and  different  ports  in  British  North 
America.  The  blacks  were  attacked  by  yellow  fever  in  the 
same  mariner  as  their  white  shipmates,  but  in  no  case  has  the 
malady  been  so  deadly  with  them  as  with  the  others ;  their  re 
covery  was  quicker, —  no  black  vomit,  to  my  recollection,  oc 
curred.  Hence,  it  may  be  said  that  the  black  and  colored  per 
son,  as  above  stated,  natives  of  cold  latitudes,  may  certainly 
fall  under  the  influence  of  the  fevers  of  this  country,  particu 
larly  if  imprudent  and  intemperate  in  their  habits ;  but  that, 
with  certain  rare  exceptions,  the  attack  will  be  comparatively 
less  virulent  than  with  the  white  person.  And  this  is  so  true, 
that  owners  and  captains  of  ships  trading  to  the  "West  Indies 
and  to  Hayti,  have  preferred  to  have  a  black  or  colored  crew, 
rather  than  a  white  one,  whenever  they  can  procure  one.  This 
harbor  has  been  free  from  epidemic  yellow  fever  since  1857. 
Not  a  single  case  of  black  vomit  has  occurred  since  then. 

With  this  brief  exposition  of  the  nature  of  fevers  common  to 
Hayti,  and  of  the  influence  which  they  may  exercise  on  those  of 
the  African  race  who  may  emigrate  to  this  country,  it  will  be 
u* 


162  Diseases  of  Hayti. 

seen  that  they  have  little  to  fear  from  the  effects  of  its  climate , 
and  other  matters  being  favorable  to  all  such  as  like  to  come 
over,  the  question  in  respect  to  their  health  after  they  shall  have 
arrived,  is  not  less  satisfactory.  It  might  even,  perhaps,  not  be 
irrational  to  infer  that  the  climate  of  the  tropics  would  be  more 
salutary  and  propitious  to  the  greater  part,  if  not  to  all,  without 
distinction,  than  that  of  the  so  much  colder  region  now  inhabited 
by  them  in  North  America,  and  which  does  not  appear  to  have 
been  originally  strictly  destined  by  nature  for  the  constitution  of 
the  African  people. 

We  have  shown  that  sickness  is  restricted  almost  to  the  mar 
itime  towns,  and  to  marshy  situations  in  the  vicinity  of  the  sea- 
coast,  where  it  will  not  be  to  the  interest  of  emigrants  to  remain 
when  they  get  here.  We  have  now  to  affirm  that,  away  from 
the  towns,  in  the  interior  and  rural  districts,  but  few  diseases  or 
distempers  are  known ;  indeed,  the  interior  of  the  country  is  so 
healthful  as  not  to  be  at  all  the  physician's  El  Dorado.  Mem 
bers  of  the  profession  do  not  get  rich  in  Hayti.  People  do  die 
out  in  the  country,  as  they  must  die  everywhere,  but  it  is  seldom 
or  rarely  we  hear  talk  of  any  illness  of  a  complicated  or  alarm 
ing  character,  such  as  is  common  in  America  and  elsewhere. 

During  the  cool  or  rainy  seasons,  one  will  meet  with  cases  of 
colds,  simple  catarrhal  affections,  sore  throat,  some  looseness  of 
the  bowels,  arising  from  the  use  of  crude  fruits  and  change  of 
water,  which  are  easily  remedied  by  removal  of  the  causes 
that  incite  them ;  while  in  the  hot,  dry  season,  in  certain  situa 
tions,  sore  eyes,  in  its  simple  form,  and  deranged  stomachs, 
may  also  be  met  with,  as  in  other  countries,  and  which  are  re 
garded  in  country  places  as  of  little  importance. 

We  will  finish  this  paper  by  subjoining  a  list  of  simple  medi 
cines,  which  will  be  useful  to  the  emigrants  who  are  destined, 
on  their  arrival  in  Hayti,  to  seek  their  fortunes  by  locating  them 
selves  in  the  rich,  rural,  and  agricultural  districts,  at  a  distance 
from  efficient  medical  aid,  —  and  for  this  reason  especially  we 
at  the  same  tune  recommend  to  all  who  may  decide  on  coming 


Diseases  of  Hayti.  163 

over,  to  have  themselves  and  their  children  vaccinated  without 
fail.  These,  then,  are  the  simple  medicines  which  families  may 
want,  and  which  they  are  counselled  to  bring  with  them : 

£  oz.  Sup.  Carbonate  Soda. 

£  oz.  Sulph.  Quinine. 

1  oz.  Turkey  Rhubarb. 

1  oz.  iPulvis  Jalap. 

\  Ib.  Cream  of  Tartar. 

\  Ib.  Calcined  Magnesia  (in  bottles).    • 

1  Ib.  Epsom  Salts. 
A  little  Boneset. 

2  oz.  Spt.  Hartshorn. 

2  drachms  Extract  Opium. 
2  oz.  Spt.  Peppermint. 

These  different  articles  will  be  used  according  to  circum 
stances,  by  families  whose  interest  it  will  be  to  live  out  in  the 
country.  They  should  have  the  doses  marked  on  each  packet 
or  phial.  And  thus  we  take  leave  of  this  subject  for  the 
present.  W.  G.  SMITH,  M.  D. 

Port-au-Prince,  September  22,  1860. 


VI. 

Smport0  of 


nnilE  seaports  of  Hayti  ratlier  unfavorably  impress  the  travel- 
•*-  ler  who  has  never  previously  visited  the  West  India 
Islands  or  Central  American  States.  From  various  causes,  — 
earthquakes,  chiefly,  and.  fires,  the  indifference  of  past  govern 
ments,  and  the  want  of  proper  workmen,  —  they  do  not  present 
that  aspect  of  prosperity  and  neatness  which  distinguish  our 
Northern  cities  or  the  towns  of  the  British  American  Prov 
inces.  The  streets  are  ill-paved,  and  seldom  indicate  the 
scavenger's  care  ;  and  the  stores  and  private  dwellings  very 
plainly  show  that  the  art  of  house-painting  has  not  attained  its 
last  perfection. 

Port-au-Prince,  the  capital,  is  a  city  of  26,000  inhabitants. 
It  is  the  seat  of  Government,  and  consequently  the  residence 
of  the  President  and  his  ministers  ;  the  place  where  the  high 
courts  of  justice  and  the  legislative  bodies  meet.  It  is  the  chief 
port  and  largest  city  of  the  Republic.  It  has  the  most  sultry 
climate  of  all  the  cities  in  the  Island;  yet  at  Furcy,  only 
eighteen  miles  distant,  there  are  forests  of  pines,  and  a  tempera 
ture  suited  for  the  growth  of  all  the  trees  and  vegetables  of  the 
temperate  zones. 

Cape  Haytian,  or  Cape  Hayti,  (Cap  Haytien,)  is  a  town  of 
six  or  seven  thousand  inhabitants.  It  was  the  capital  of  the 
kingdom  erected  by  Christophe,  and  was  formerly  known  as 
the  Little  Paris  of  the  Antilles.  It  was  destroyed  by  an  earth- 


Seaports  of  Hayti.  165 

quake  in  1842,  which  occasioned  the  death  of  five  or  six 
thousand  persons,  by  the  fall  of  the  houses  and  the  subsequent 
fires.  There  are  acres  of  these  ruins  still  there,  —  beautifully 
decorated  with  luxuriant  vegetation.  Within  a  day's  ride  dis 
tant  from  "  the  Cape,"  as  it  is  usually  called,  are  the  Citadel 
and  Palace  of  Christophe,  —  the  most  wonderful  structures  in 
Hayti,  and  the  greatest  architectural  triumphs  of  the  colored 
race.  Every  visitor  should  see  them.  The  great  Plain  of  the 
North,  of  which  Cape  Haytian  is  the  port,  is  unexhaustibly 
fertile  and  adapted  to  every  kind  of  tropical  staples. 

Port  de  Paix  has  a  population  of  about  2,000  inhabitants. 
It  is  healthy  and  well  situated,  has  a  good  port  and  a  fine 
country  behind  it.  During  the  Empire  it  was  a  closed  port, 
but  it  was  opened  to  commerce  by  the  Republic. 

Mole  St.  Nicholas  is  a  closed  port.  It  is  a  great  military 
point,  and  was  the  last  place  evacuated  by  the  English  during 
their  residence  in  the  Island.  It  is  not  suited  for  emigrants ; 
as  the  country  behind  it  is  barren  and  rocky.  Its  population  is 
between  1,200  and  1,500. 

GonaTves  is  a  town  of  6,000  or  7,000  inhabitants.  It  is  one 
of  the  most  thriving  towns  in  Hayti.  Its  commerce  is  consider 
able  ;  derived,  chiefly,  from  its  exports  of  dye-woods  and 
mahogany.  The  plain  in  which  it  is  situated  is  admirably 
adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  cotton.  It  was  from  this  town 
that  Toussaint  L'Ouverture  was  kidnapped. 

St.  Mark,  at  the  further  extremity  of  the  same  plain,  and  the 
scene  of  many  desperate  battles,  has  a  population  of  two  or  three 
thousand  persons.  It  is  beautifully  situated, — .  very  healthy, 
and  with  a  mild  climate.  It  is  the  outlet  of  the  great  Plain  of 
the  Artibonite,  —  one  of  the  best  localities  for  emigrants  in  the 
Island.  Two  or  three  hundred  Louisiana  exiles  have  already 
settled  there  and  are  highly  pleased  with  the  country.  There 
are  among  them  some  of  the  richest  colored  planters  of  Louis 
iana.  The  Plain  of  the  Artibonite,  which  extends  from  the 
Gros  Morne  of  Gonai'ves  to  the  Gros  Morne  of  St.  Mark — - 


166  Seaports  of  Hayti. 

a  distance  of  forty-five  miles,  —  and  from  the  Bay  sixty  miles 
inland,  has  no  superior,  anywhere,  for  the  cultivation  of  cotton, 
sugarcane,  and  tobacco ;  while  the  neighboring  mountains  of 
Cahos  produce  some  of  the  best  coffee  in  the  Island.  There  are 
thousands  of  carreaux  of  vacant  land  in  this  magnificent  tract  of 
country. 

L'Arcahaie  is  a  little  town  of  two  thousand  inhabitants, 
(thirty-six  miles  from  Port-au-Prince,)  and  is  the  centre  of  a 
settlement  of  American  emigrants  who  arrived  under  Boyer. 
The  surrounding  country  nearly  monopolizes  the  supply  of  vege 
tables  for  Port-au-Prince.  It  is  not  an  open  port. 

Miragoane,  recently  opened  to  commerce,  distant  seventy 
miles  from  the  Capital,  has  one  of  the  best  ports  in  the  Island, 
and  is  rapidly  increasing  in  importance.  A  considerable  pro 
portion  of  the  American  vessels,  that  'discharge  at  Port-au- 
Prince,  go  there  to  take  in  cargoes  of  coffee  and  dyewoods. 
The  country  behind  it  is  mountainous  and  adapted  for  the  cul 
ture  of  coffee. 

Jeremie  has  a  population  of  three  or  four  thousand.  Coffee 
and  sugar  are  the  staple  cultures.  It  is  a  healthy  town, 
carries  on  a  considerable  commerce,  and  is  the  outlet  of  a  fertile 
district.  The  culture  of  cotton  has  recently  been  recommenced 
there. 

Jacmel  is  a  city  of  six  or  seven  thousand  inhabitants.  It  has 
a  beautiful  bay,  somewhat  like  that  of  St.  Mark,  with  the  simi 
lar  disadvantage  of  not  having  a  breakwater,  or  adequate  pro 
tection  against  storms.  The  country  around  Jacmel  is  suited 
for  coffee  and  dyewoods,  of  which  very  large  exports  are 
annually  made.  The  British  Royal  Mail  Steamers  stop  at 
Jacmel  on  their  passage  from  Southampton  to  Jamaica,  and  also 
on  their  return  voyages,  for  the  passengers  and  mails. 

Cayes  has  a  similar  country  near  it  in  producing  dyewoods, 
sugarcane,  and  coffee  in  large  quantities.  The  best  rum  in  the 
Island  is  made  at  this  town,  and  it  is  manufactured  on  a  large 


Seaports  of   Hayti. 


167 


scale.  It  is  not  exported,  but  used  for  home  consumption 
only. 

Cape  Haytian,  Jeremic,  Cayes,  and  Port-au-Prince,  export 
also  a  large  amount  of  cacao. 

The  limits  of  this  volunlb  do  not  permit  us  to  allude  to  the 
inland  towns  and  villages. 


SILVER    COINS    OF    HAYTL 


VII. 

(joro  to  ©o,  anir  tllljat  to  STakt. 

HOW  to  go  and  what  to  take  to  Hayti,  so  evidently  dependi 
on  the  position,  geographical  as  well  as  pecuniary,  of  the 
emigrant,  that  it  is  not  practicable  to  make  this,  to  every  one, 
a  satisfactory  chapter.  Correspondence  with  the  Haytian 
Bureau  of  Emigration  in  Boston,  however,  will  enable  the 
reader  to  supply  the  deficiencies  of  the  Guide. 

Some  general  hints  are  all  that  we  need  give  here. 

First,  as  to  going.  Vessels  will  sail  as  frequently  as  a  suffi 
cient  number  of  passengers  are  procured  from  Boston  and  New 
Orleans.  Emigrants  from  the  South  will  be  obliged  to  defray 
all  the  expenses  of  their  passage  ;  as  it  is  not  possible,  for  the 
moment,  to  make  satisfactory  arrangements  with  vessels  from 
that  part  of  the  country.  In  Hayti,  however,  this  disadvan 
tage  will  be  compensated.  An  Agent  of  the  Government  will 
be  stationed  at  New  Orleans  to  protect  the  interests  of  emi 
grants.  All  Southern  emigrants,  as  well  as  those  from  the 
North,  are  advised  to  correspond  with  the  Central  Bureau  at 
Boston,  before  selecting  a  vessel,  and  the  latest  information  will 
be  sent  to  them,  fully  and  promptly,  and  without  cost.  Pas 
sengers  will  be  required  to  carry  their  own  food  for  the  voyage, 
or  pay  for  their  board  for  the  trip  before  starting.  Those  who 
prefer  to  provision  themselves  will  be  required  to  have  the  neces 
sary  tin  utensils  for  holding  water,  drinking,  eating,  and 
cooking. 


How  to  go,  and  what  to  take.  169 

For  clothing,  take  as  many  summer  suits  as  you  can  afford 
to  buy ;  for  every  kind  of  manufactured  goods  is  dearer  in 
Hayti  than  in  the  United  States.  Light-colored  linen  or  cotton 
clothing  is  the  best ;  with  high-crowned  straw  or  Panama  hats. 
Those  who  design  to  cultivate  coffee,  and  will,  therefore,  live  in 
the  high  lands,  will  need  woollen  clothing  and  blankets  ;  for  it 
is  often  quite  chilly  in  the  morncs  of  Hayti.  Every  one  should 
wear  flannel  undershirts  always.  Sheetings,  mosquito  nettings, 
all  kinds  of  female  costume,  and  of  household  wear,  —  such  as 
tablecloths,  towels,  and  the  like, — may  advantageously  be  taken 
by  the  emigrant. 

Furniture,  unless  it  is  old,  and  will  not  pay  the  expense  of 
transportation  to  the  port  of  shipment,  should  also  be  taken 
out;  for  chairs,  and  the  finer  kinds  of  furniture,  crockery, 
cutlery,  water-coolers,  mirrors,  glassware,  earthenware,  and  tin 
ware,  are  very  much  higher  in  the  West  Indies  everywhere  than 
in  the  United  States.  Glass  for  windows,  and  carpets,  are  not 
needed.  Sofas  in  plush  or  haircloth  are  too  hot  for  comfort ; 
the  emigrant  should  purchase  cane-bottomed  chairs,  and  sofas 
or  seats. 

Take  all  your  books  with  you ;  for  English  books  tan  seldom 
be  had  either  for  love  or  money.  Take  your  stationery,  also. 

You  will  be  allowed  to  enter,  free  of  duty,  provisions  enough 
to  last  you  for  two  or  three  months.  While  you  will  not  be 
permitted  to  take  advantage  of  this  guarantee  to  import  pro 
visions  for  sale,  you  should  not  fail,  if  possible,  to  avail 
yourself  of  it  for  the  purposes  of  legitimate  consumption.  Soap, 
fish,  pork,  candles,  oil,  and  salt  beef,  should  be  your  main 
articles. 

Take  such  carpenters'  tools  as  you  will  need.  Every  family 
ought  to  have  a  saw,  hammer,  and  nails. 

Take  all  the  agricultural  implements  you  will  require, — 
handcarts,  yokes,  ploughs,  shovels,  rakes,  hoes,  spades,  harness, 
saddles,  churns,  and  hives. 
15 


170  How  to  go,  and  what  to  take. 

Washing-machines,  tubs,  and  sewing-machines  would  be  in 
valuable  for  your  women  folk  ;  for  you  can  buy  none  of  these 
useful  allies  of  the  housewife  in  Hayti. 

Take  the  best  varieties  of  all  kinds  of  seeds.  If  you  wish 
to  import  blooded  cattle,  or  fine  breeds  of  horses,  swine,  or 
poultry,  the  Bureau  of  Boston  will  facilitate  your  object,  by 
making  with  you  advantageous  terms  of  transportation. 


VIII. 

71  parting  tDorir. 

To  the  Blacks  and  Men  of  Color  in  America  : 

IN  the  preceding  pages  you  liave  Tbeen  enabled  to  see  —  "as 
in  a  glass,  darkly"  —  the  history  of  your  race  in  its  solo 
American  possession  ;  how  rich  in  every  kind  of  natural  wealth 
that  terrestrial  paradise  is ;  the  character  of  its  people,  the 
nature  of  its  Government,  and,  by  the  official  papers  appended 
to  the  Constitution,  the  disposition  of  its  present  Administra 
tion. 

The  voice  of  history  is  the  voice  of  God. 

Do  we  not  hear  it  in  the  existing  Black  Code  of  America, 
and  in  the  acts  of  the  Government  of  Hayti  ?  Is  not  the  same 
command  of  the  Still  Small  Voice,  once  given  to  the  Chosen 
Nation,  ages  before  the  Christ  was  born,  again  thus  repeated 
to  His  persecuted  children  in  the  States,  —  COME  OUT  OP  HER, 
MY  PEOPLE  ? 

There  is  a  profound  significance  in  the  fact  of  the  diversity 
of  races, —  far  deeper  than  many  of  our  sages  know.  It  was 
for  a  wise  and  grand  purpose  that  the  European  and  the  African 
have  for  a  time  become  different  in  destiny  and  in  physical 
capacity ;  and  it  belongs  to  the  same  blind  and  false  philosophy 
that  disputes  about  the  relative  superiority  of  the  sexes,  to  in 
quire  whether  the  Black  man  or  the  White  is  the  more  capable 
of  a  glorious  future.  Their  missions  in  the  world  are  different ; 
and,  until  these  are  fulfilled,  their  identity  must  be  preserved. 


Parting  Word. 


Has  the  Black  accomplished  his  destiny  in  America  ? 

I  think  that  in  North  America  he  has  ;  for  he  is  threatened 
with  extinction  there.  His  future  is  —  annihilation.  There 
is  no  other  possible  result,  —  whether  slavery  or  freedom  shall 
prevail.  Ten  men  against  one,  —  the  contest  is  decided. 
Whether  at  the  end  of  two  or  of  ten  generations,  the  solu 
tion  of  the  problem  is  still,  —  annihilation.  Too  strong  to 
perish  beneath  the  white  man's  lash,  the  black  race  here  will 
disappear  in  his  arms.  Even  the  pride  of  giving  birth  to  a 
new  race  will  be  denied  to  him  ;  for  the  disproportion,  daily 
becoming  greater,  between  the  Blacks  and  the  Whites,  gives 
the  future  also  to  the  ruler  of  to-day. 

To  preserve  the  African  race  in  America,  emigration  from  it 
is  the  first  condition.  Everything  conspires  to  promote  it. 
Pride  of  race,  self-respect,  social  ambition,  parental  love,  the 
madness  of  the  South,  the  meanness  of  the  North,  the  inhu 
manity  of  the  Union,  and  the  inclemency  of  Canada,  —  all  say 
to  the  Black  and  the  man  of  color,  Seek  elsewhere  a  home 
and  a  nationality. 

I  have  spoken  of  the  motives  arising  from  a  pride  of  race,  — 
but  is  it  necessary  to  show  you  why  self-respect,  also,  repeats 
and  enforces  the  same  advice  ?  When  even  the  churches  of  the 
"  Founder  of  Democracy  "  are  closed  against  you,  —  and  solely 
because  of  your  race,  —  why  allude  to  the  heathenism  which 
displays  itself  in  your  exclusion  from  the  theatres,  the  omni 
buses,  and  the  parlors  of  the  country  ?  I  have  often  heard  it 
said,  that  with  time  this  prejudice  will  disappear.  Perhaps,  — 
but  not  unless,  by  an  insurrection,  successfully  conducted,  the 
millions  now  enslaved  exhibit  their  equality,  in  courage  and  in 
arms,  with  their  masters.  The  Saxon  race  is  a  race  of  fighters, 
—  its  real  religion  is  an  evangel  of  pluck  ;  to  men,  long-suf 
fering,  slow  to  anger,  who  return  a  kiss  for  a  blow,  patient  and 
enduring  to  the  end,  it  exhibits  no  compassion.  Have  not 
the  slaves,  for  two  centuries,  exhibited  these  Christian  qualities  ? 
No  man  denies  it.  And  yet,  what  is  the  opinion  that  these 


A   Parting  Word.  173 

traits  have  created  in  the  hearts  of  the  majority  of  the  nation  ? 
Two  words  give  it:  ''Damned  niggers"  Is  there  anything 
yet  that  points  to  the  result  that  our  prophets  predict  ?  Have 
you  not  already  produced  eminent  men,  —  able  writers,  physi 
cians,  and  orators  ?  And  yet,  what  has  their  genius  hitherto 
availed  them  ?.  I  once  heard  of  a  distinguished  lecturer,  who, s 
refused  a  seat  in  a  first-class  car,  paid  his  passage  as  freight, 
and  was  charged  by  his  weight.  It  was  told  as  a  good  joke. 
I  think  there  are  two  centuries  between  such  jests  and  equality ; 
and,  in  the  mean  time,  you  will  have  disappeared  from  the  earth ! 
It  is  sometimes  said  that  you  should  remain  and  fight  the  battle 
here,  —  force  a  recognition  by  your  genius,  industry,  character, 
wealth ;  teach  America  to  see,  in  other  words,  that  in  you  it 
possesses  an  invaluable  strength.  Morality,  so  exalted,  is  surely 
to  be  admired ;  but  a  lower  standard,  I  take  it,  will  do  well 
enough  for  this  world.  What  are  the  Americans  to  you,  that 
you  should  thus  continue  to  heap  benefits  on  them?  You 
have  faithfully  served  them  for  nearly  two  centuries,  —  denying 
them  nothing,  charging  them  nothing ;  neither  the  fruits  of 
your  labors  nor  the  fruits  of  your  loins  have  you  withheld ; 
and  you  have  asked  in  return  only  enough  to  eat  and  the 
coarsest  attire.  It  is  tune,  now,  that  you  should  help  your 
selves. 

There  is  yet  another  thing  to  be  considered,  that  is  seldom 
thought  of  in  urging  such  a  contest, —  the  casualties  of  warfare : 
that  where  one  conquers,  ten  fall;  where  one  asserts,  nine 
submit ;  that  the  voice  of  prejudice  is  far  oftener  the  death-knell 
than  the  bugle-note  of  manhood. 

Parental  love !  The  schools  of  New  England  and  other 
States  are  open  to  your  children,  and  they  can  now  receive  the 
advantages  of  a  liberal  education.  And  then?  Rendered 
sensitive  by  this  culture,  what  prospect  is  opened  to  them  ?  A 
long,  petty  war  with  mean  men,  a  fruitless  assault  on  the 
citadel  of  place,  political  and  social.  Even  lions  lose  their 

15* 


174  A   Parting  Word. 

strength  in  fighting  mosquitoes,  and  such  is  the  warfare  to  which 
your  children  are  destined.  It  is  a  noble  spectacle  to  see  the 
fight  that  some  brave  men  among  you  maintain  against  the 
prejudices  of  Americans,  but  — 

"In  vain,  alas!  in  vain,  ye  gallant  few!" 

are  all  your  efforts,  in  behalf  of  your  native  land ;  you  are 
trying  to  drive  back  an  ocean,  which,  by  its  mere  physical 
superiority,  will  throw  up  the  bodies  of  your  children,  after  a 
generation  or  two,  pale  and  unrecognizable,  on  its  Saxon 
shores ! 

In  Hayti,  a  far  different  future  is  opened  to  the  colored  race. 
There,  it  can  develop  itself  in  freedom;  there,  exhibit  its 
capacity  and  genius.  Nowhere  else  is  there  such  an  opportunity 
presented,  • —  absolutely  nowhere  in  the  world.*  In  Africa, 
the  various  races  are  still  separate  and  hostile  ;  in  Hayti,  they 
are  all  represented  and  united.  The  black  Haytian,  therefore, 
is  the  result  of  the  mingling  of  all  of  the  African  bloods ;  and 
in  him,  as  is  the  case  with  other  families  of  men,  this  union  has 
produced  the  best  specimen  of  the  race.  The  men  of  color 
there,  also,  in  point  of  intelligence,  ask  no  favors  in  any  com 
parison  between  themselves  and  their  ancestors. 

But  still  another  element  is  needed  in  Hayti,  —  the  Saxon 
character,  which  the  men  of  African  descent,  to  a  greater  or 
less  extent,  in  the  Unitefl  States  and  the  Canadas,  possess. 

She  invites  this  element  to  come  to  her.  She  offers  you  a 
home,  a  nationality,  a  future.  She  presents  to  you  the  oppor 
tunity  of  not  only  exhibiting  the  capacity  of  your  race,  but  of 
creating  a  new  Eden  in  the  most  fertile  of  the  Antilles  ;  and, 
at  the  same  tune,  of  checking  the  Slave  Labor  System  of  the 
South  at  its  source,  —  in  the  markets  that  support  it.  Would 
you  fight  Virginia  with  a  weapon  that  she  will  fear  as  much  as 
she  dreaded  the  rifles  of  John  Brown  ?  Grow  tobacco  in  Hayti, 

*  Liberia,  if  a  success,  will  be  the  white  man's  victory,  for  lie  called  it  into 
being,  and  Las  fostered  it  from  its  birth. 


A   Parting  Word.  175 

then,  and  fight  her  with  it  on  the  Liverpool  Exchange.  Would 
you  retaliate  on  the  Carolinas  the  punishment  that  they  have 
often  inflicted  on  your  friends  ?  The  way  is  open.  Tar  and 
cotton  them  in  England.  Hayti  will  enable  you  to  do  it  by 
producing  both  staples,  and  hemp  enough  to  boot  to  hang  every 
friend  of  Slavery  in  Missouri  and  Kentucky.  Hayti,  which 
could  produce  sugar  enough  to  drive  Louisiana  out  of  every 
market  in  the  world ;  which  could  raise  cotton  enough  every 
year  to  corrupt  the  morals  of  a  hundred  generations  of  Ameri 
can  politicians ;  which  could  raise  rice  .enough  to  bury  Wilming 
ton,  Charleston,  and  Savannah  out  of  sight ;  which,  if  properly 
and  scientifically  cultivated,  could  raise  coffee  enough  to  supply 
all  the  wants  of  Christendom,  —  Hayti,  the  home  of  the  Black 
race,  the  only  country  in  which  it  has  successfully  competed  in 
arms  against  the  Slavery  to  which  Europe  condemned,  and  in 
which  America  has  held  it,  invites  you,  common  children  of  her 
ancient  Motherland,  to  become  a  part  of  her  household,  and 
share  equally  with  her  own  sons  the  destiny  which  the  Almighty 
Overruler  has  marked  out  from  the  beginning  for  her  and  for 
you  ! 

May  your  answer  be  inspired  by  wisdom  and  a  spirit  of 
religious  consecration  ! 

For  myself,  firmly  believing  this  work  —  which,  dual  in 
its  nature,  seeks  at  once  the  regeneration  of  one  of  the  i:_ •  st 
beautiful  Islands  of  our  globe,  and  the  elevation  and  perpetuity, 
or,  rather,  the  creation  of  a  coming  race,  adapted  to  it  and 
worthy  of  it — to  be  one  of  the  most  noble  and  holy  enterprises 
to  which  any  man  of  our  age  can  be  called  on  to  devote  his 
energies  and  his  talents,  I  accepted  the  trust  confided  to  me 
by  the  Government  of  Hayti,  with  a  feeling  of  gratitude  to 
Heaven,  which,  I  trust,  will  bless  with  its  favor  this  project  for 
extending  civilization,  and  a  true  religion,  and  establishing 

justice  in  the  Western  World. 

JAMES    REPPATH. 


INDEX 


Adamanoy,  Island  of 37 

Agricultural  Implements  free  of 

duty 101,  107 

Aid  to  Emigrants  94,  98, 102, 106,  123 

Alta-Vela,  Island  of 38 

Animal  Kingdom  of  Hayti 39-42 

Animals,  domestic 39 

Annihilation  threatened 172 

Archaic,  Plain  of 32 

Arms,  Coat  of 86, 158 

Army  of  the  Eepublic 86,  153 

Arrondissements,  Councils  for. .     82 
Arrondissemerits,    Government 

of 151 

Arrondissements,   Financial.  . . .   152 

Arrowroot,  Culture  of 45 

Artibonite,  Plain  of  the 31 

Artibonite   River 32 

Association,   Right    of,  guaran 
teed 69 

Azua,  Plain  of. 30 

B 

Bahoruco  Mountains 28 

Baie  des  Fletches 35 

Bale,  Treaty  of. 18 

Banica,  Plain  of 31 

Banica  Mineral  Springs 33 

Baraderes,  Bay  of. 36 

Bays  of  Hayti 35 

Bee  du  Mni-souin 36 

Birds  of  Hayti 40 

Boyer,  Administration  of 20,  21 

Buccaneers,  The 16 


Cahos,  Mountains  of. 29 

Caimites,  The 38 

Cape  Haytian,  Description  of. .  164 


Call  for  Emigration 97-99 

Capes  of  Hayti 36 

Capital  of  the  Republic 87 

Cassava  Bread 45 

Catholic  Church  in  Hayti. .  .138-140 

Cavaillon,  River  of. 32 

Cayes,  Plain  of 32 

Cayes,  River  of 32 

Cayes,  Town  of 166,  167 

Chamber     of     Representatives, 

how  constituted 71 

Christophe 17,  19 

Ciboa  Mountains 28 

Citizenship,  when  and  how  at 
tainable  by  Emigrants.  .94,  95, 102 

Civil  Rights  of  Haytians 66 

Civil  Tribunals 152 

Classes  of  People  in  Hayti 129 

Climate  of  Hayti 26,  56-59 

Cocoa,  Culture  of 44 

Coffee,  Culture  of 43 

Colors,  National 86,  158 

Commerce,  Tribunals  of 83,  152 

Commerce  and  Navigation.  .144,  150 

Communes,  Councils  for 82 

Communes,  Government  of 151 

Companies  authorized  by  law, 

100-101,  107 
Constitution  of  1804,  Adoption 

of 18 

Constitution  of   1816,  Adoption 

of 20 

Constitution  of  1846,  Adoption 

of 22 

Copartnerships,  Authorized, 

100-101,  107 

Cotton,  Culture  of. 43 

Courts  and  Tribunals S3,  152 

Creole  Language 131-135 

Cul  de  Sac,  Plains  of. 31 


i78 


Index. 


Cul  de  Sac,  River  of 32 

Currency  of  Hayti 155,  156 

D 
Debt,  National,  amount  of  . .  152,  153 

Debts,  Public,  guaranteed 70 

Departments,  Political 151 

Dessalines,  Administration  of.. 17,  18 

Dimensions  of  Hayti 25 

Discovery  of  Hayti 15 

DJseases  of  Hayti 159-163 

Diversity  of  Races,  Purpose  of.  171 
Divisions,  Territorial,  of  the  Re 
public 151,152 


Earthquakes 28 

Euux  de  Boynes 33 

Education  in  Hayti 142,  143 

Electoral  Colleges,  Members  of..    84 

Emblems,  National 158 

Emigrants,  Agricultural,  Special 

Favors    to 94,  106 

Emigrants,     Cordial    Reception 

of 107v  108 

Emigration,  Call  for 97-99 

Emigration  Agents  and  Offices . . 

119,  120 

Emigration  Inspectors 119, 120 

Emigration,  Laws  in  Favor  of  120-124 

Emigration,  Motives  to 171-175 

Etang  Doux 34 

Etang  bale"  (Salt  Lake) 33 

Etang  Saumatre 34 

Executive  Authority,  in  whom 

vested 70,  79,  80 

Exports  of  Hayti 147,  150 


Fertilizers  not  known  in  Hayti . .  55 

Finances  of  Hayti ...  85 

Financial  Arrondissements 152 

Fishes  of  Hayti 41 

Flag,  Haytian 158 

Forces,  Public,  Constitution  of. .  86 
Freedom  of  Opinion,  of  Speech, 

and  of  the  Press  guaranteed . .  69 
Free  Passage,  who  are  entitled 

to  it 63,64 

Fruits  of  Hayti 45 

G 

Geography  of  Hayti 25-38 

Ginger,  Culture  of 44 

Gonalves,  Plain  of 31 

Gonaives,  Town  of 165 

Gonave,  Island  of 36 

Grande  Riviere 33 

Grants  to  Emigrants 123 

Guerier,  Administration  of 21,  22 


H 

Haytians,  Who  are  such  ?  ......     66 

Henriquille,  Lake  of  .  .  .  ........     33 

Hinche,  Plain  of  ..............     31 

History  of  Hayti  .............  15-24 

Holidays,  National  ........  87,  90,  91 

Hotte  Mountains  ...............     29 

How  to  Go,  and  What  to  Take..  168 


Imports  of  Hayti  ...........  145-150 

Independence  of  Hayti  achieved    18 
Indians  in  Hayti  ............  130,  131 

Indian  Corn,  Culture  of.  .  ,  .....     44 

Indigo,  Culture  of  .............     44 

Industry  of  Hayti  .............   136 

Insects  of  Hayti  ............  ...     41 

Instruction,  Public,  guaranteed, 

69,  95,  108 
Isabela  River  ..................     32 

Islands  belonging  to  Hayti  ____  26,  36 


Jacmel,  River  of . 
Jacmel,  Town  of. , 
Jayna  River. .  . . 
Jerdmie,  River  of. 
Jere'rnie,  Town  of. 


32 

166 

32 

32 

166 

Joint  Stock   Companies  authoi'- 

ized 101,107 

Judicial  Authority,  Exercise  of, 

70,  72,  85 
Jury,  Trial  by,  guaranteed 69 


La  Beate,  Island  of 37 

Labor  provided  by  Government, 

101,  102 

Laguna  de  Azuei 34 

Laguna  Icotea 34 

Lakes  of  Hayti 33 

Lands,  Purchase  or  Lease  of,  by 

Emigrants 94,  100, 109 

Lands  for  Schools  and  Chapels, 

Free 102 

Lands,  Vacant 104-120 

Languages  in  Hayti 70,  131-135 

L' Arcahaie,  Towii  of 166 

La  Saone,  Island  of 37 

Latitude  of  Hayti 25 

La  Tortue,  Island  of. 37 

Law  modifying  Constitution  . .  89-92 
Laws  in  favor  of  Emigration  120, 123 
Laws  modifying  the  Naturaliza 
tion  Laws 124, 125 

Laws,  Notes  on 154 

Leaving  the  Country,  Right  of 

95, 103, 108 

Legislative  Authority,  by  whom 
exercised,  and  how 70,  74-79 


Index. 


179 


Ltfogane,  Plain  of 32 

Ldoganc,  River  of. 32 

Letter  from  the   Editor  to  flic 

President 93 

Letter  to  the  Editor 94-S6 

Letters,  Secrecy  of,  Inviolable. .  G9 

Liberty  established  in  Hayti  ...  17 

L'ile-a-Vaches 38 

Longitude  of  Hayti 25 

Lord's  Prayer  in  Creole 135 

Los  Muertos  Mountains 29 

M 
Machines  and  Implements  free 

of  duty 101,107 

Macoris  River 32 

Manioc,  Culture  of. 45 

Manufactures  of  Hayti 136 

Massacre,  River  of. 33 

Measures,  Linear 156 

Measures,  Superficial 157 

Measures,   Liquid 157 

Medical  Plants 46 

Medicines  for  Emigrants 163 

Mexique  Mountains 28 

Military  Service  required 95 

Military    Service,    Exemptions 

from 99,101 

Mineral  Kingdom  of  Hayti 50,  52 

Mineral  Waters 33 

Miragoane,  Lake  of 34 

Miragoane,  Town  of 166 

Modification  of  the  Constitution 

of  1846 89-92 

Mole  St.  Nicholas 36,  165 

Mona  and  Monica,  Islands  of... .     38 

Monte  Christi  Mountains 29 

Mountains  of  Hayti 28,  30 

Mountain  Lands 118 

N 
Napoleon's    Expedition    against 

Hayti 17 

National  Arms 86 

National  Colors 86 

National  Guard..  .86,  95,  98,  101, 153 

National  Holidays 87,  90,  91 

Naturalization  of  Emigrants, 

98,  99, 124 
Navigation  and  Commerce.  .144-150 

Navy  of  Hayti 154 

Newman,  Mr.,  Answers  to  Ques 
tions  presented  by 100-103 

Newpapers  in  Hayti 143 

Neybe,  Plain  of 31 

Neybe  River 32 

Nippes,  River  of. 32 

Noire,  Mountains  of. 29 

North,  Plains  of  the 31 


0 


Ozama  River 32 


Pnlmi-Christi 45 

Paper  Money  introduced 21 

Parting  Word 171 

Passage,  Payment  of. 94,  106 

Patents,  no  Law  of 101,  107 

Peninsulas  of  Hayti 36 

People  of  Hayti 129-137 

Pepper  and  Pimentum 45 

Perfumes  from  Flowers 46 

Potion,  Administration  of  .17, 19,  20 
Petition,  Right  of,  guaranteed. .  69 

Pierrot,  Administration  of. 22 

Pine  and  Palm  (Poems) 12 

Plains  of  Hayti 30,  32 

Plants,  Medicinal 46,  47 

Plants,  Poisonous 47,  48 

Political  Notes 151-158 

Political  Rights  of  Haytians 66 

Political  Rights,  how  forfeited. .  67 
Political  Rights  of  Emigrants 

94,  95, 102 

Population  of  Hayti 137 

Port-a-Piment  Mineral  Springs.  33 
Port-au-Prince,  Description  of..  163 
Port  de  Paix,  Description  of. ...  165 
Ports  of  Disembarkation  for 

Emigrants 108,  109 

President  of  Hayti,    Qualifica 
tions,  and  Functions  of 79,  80 

Primary  Assemblies,  Right    of 

Vote  in 84 

Productiveness  of  the  Soil 55 

Protestantism  in  Hayti 140 

Provisions  not  exempted  from 

Duties 101,107 

Public  Rights  of  Haytiana. . .  .67-70 

Q 

Quiabon  River 32 

R 
Races  in  Hayti 130 

Religion  and  Education 138 

Religious  Freedom  guaranteed 

69,  99, 102,  107 

Religious  Toleration 140, 142 

Reply    of  the    Government    to 

Questions  by  the  Editor 94-96 

Representatives,     Chamber    of, 

how  constituted : 71 

Representatives,    Qualifications 

of 72 

Republic  of  Hayti,  its  Territory    65 

Revenues,  State 152 

Revision  of  the  Constitution. ...    87 


i8o 


Index. 


Rice,  Culture  of 44 

Riche",  Administration  of. 22 

Rigaud 19 

Eights  of  Haytians 66-70 

Rights  of  Emigrants 94,  95,  102 

Eights  of  Whites 157 

Rivere,  Administration  of 21 

Rivers  of  Hayti 32,  33 

Romana  River 32 

Rural    Sections,    Division    and 
Government  of, 151 


Samana,  Bay  of. 35 

Schools,  Free,  established  by 

law 69,  95,  102,  142,  143 

Seaports  of  Ilayti 164-167 

Seasons  of  Hayti 56-59 

Secretaries  of  State,  Functions 

of 81,  82 

Scllo  Mountains 28,  29 

Senate,  Constitution  of. 73 

Senators,  Qualifications  of. ...  73,  74 
Separation  between  Spanish  and 

French  parts 21 

Slaves,  none  in  Hayti 66 

Soco  River 32 

Soil  of  Ilayti 53,  55 

Sonthonax 17 

Soulouque,  Administration  of. .  23 
Sovereignty  and  its  Exercise... .  71 

Staple  Products  of  Hayti 43,  45 

State  Revenues 152 

Statistics 144-150 

St.  Jean,  Plain  of 31 

St.  Catherine,  Island  of. 37 

Sr.  Domingo  founded 16 

St.  Mark,  Town  of 165 

St.  Me"ry,  Quotations  from 26,  29 

Sugarcane,  Culture  of. 44 


Tariff 101,  107 

Taxes,  how  laid 85 

Temperature  of  Ilayti 27,  58,  59 

Tempests 27,  28 

Territory  of  Hayti 65 

Territorial  Divisions  of  the  Re 
public  151,152 

Tobacco,  Culture  of 44 

Toleration,   Religious 140-142 

Tortuga,  Island  of 37 

Toussaiut  Louvcrture 17, 18 

Transitory  Measures 88,  89 

Trial  by  Jury  guaranteed 69 

Tribunals  of'  Commerce 83 

Trios-Rivieres 33 


Vacant  Lands 104-120 

Vacant  Lands — 
in  AiTondissement  of  Port-au- 
Prince 109 

in  AiTondissement  of  Le'ogane  110 
in  AiTondissement  of  St.  Mark 

110,111 
in  AiTondissement  of  Mireba- 

lais 112 

in  Arrondissement  of  Lasca- 

hobas 112 

in  Arrondissement   of  Dessa- 

lines  ...    112 

in  Arrondissement  of  Gonaives  112 
in  AiTondissemeut  of  Port  do 

Paix 113 

in     Arrondissement     of    The 

Borgne 113 

in  AiTondissement  of  Limbe* . .  114 
in  Arrondissemcnt  of  Cape 

Hay  tian 114 

in  AiTondissement  of  Grand 

Riviere 115 

in  Arrondissement  of  The  Trou  115 
in  Arrondissement  of  Fort 

Libertd 115 

in  AiTondissement  of  Nippes . .  115 
in  Arrondissement  of  Grand 

'Anse 116 

in  Arrondissement  of  Tiburon  116 
in  Arrondissement  of  Cayes. .  117 
in  AiTondissement  of  Aquin. .  117 
in  AiTondissement  of  Jacmel.  117 

in  the  Mountains 118 

Vega  Real,  Plain  of 30 

Vegetable  Kingdom  of  Hayti.  .43-49 
Visits  to  Hayti,  by  the  Editor.  10,  11 
Voice  of  History 171 

W 

Weights 156 

What  to  Take 168, 170 

Whites,  Legal  Position  of 66,  157 

Woods  of  Hayti 48 

Worship,  Air  Modes  of,  equally 
free 69,107 

X 

Xaragua,  Lake  of. 33 


Yaque  River 32 

Yellow  Fever 160,  161 

Yuna  River 32 


BOOKS    BY  JAMES    REDPATH. 


i. 

THE  PUBLIC  LIFE  OF  CAPTAIN  JOHN  BROWN. 
By  JAMES  REDPATH.  With  an  Autobiography  of  his 
Childhood  and  Yofch.  Boston  :  Thaycr  £  Eldridge, 
1 14  &  1 1 6  Washington  Street.  1860.  With  an  accurate 
steel  portrait  and  illustrations.  Handsomely  bound  in 
muslin,  pp.  408.  Price  $i. 

This  volume  has  been  the  most  successful  of  the  season, — having  already 
reached  its  FORTIETH  THOUSAND,  and  the  demand  still  continuing  very 
large.  It  has  also  been  republished  in  England,  and  widely  noticed  by  the 
British  press.  The  Autobiography  (of  which  no  reprint  will  be  permitted) 
has  been  universally  pronounced  to  be  one  of  the  most  remarkable  compo 
sitions  of  the  kind  in  the  English  language.  In  addition  to  being  the  authentic 
biography  of  John  Brown,  and  containing  a  complete  collection  of  his  cele 
brated  prison  letters — which  can  nowhere  else  be  found — this  volume  has 
also  the  only  correct  and  connected  history  of  Kansas,  —  from  its  opening 
for  settlement  till  the  close  of  the  struggle  for  Freedom  there,  —  to  be 
found  in  American  literature,  whether  periodical  or  standard.  It  treats, 
therefore,  of  topics  which  must  be  largely  discussed  in  political  life  for 
many  years.  A  handsome  percentage,  on  every  copy  sold,  is  secured  by  con 
tract  to  the  family  of  Capt.  Brown.  This  percentage  amounted  to  nearly 
$1,800  on  the  first  six  months'  sale;  and  will  reach  $2,000  by  the  conclu 
sion  of  the  first  year  of  publication.  This  Volume  will  be  sent  by  mail, 
prepaid,  to  any  part  of  the  United  States  or  Canadas,  on  receipt  of  the 
retail  price. 

Indorsement    of    the  Family  of  Captain  Brown. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  letter,  published  in  the  Conneaut 
(Ohio)  Reporter,  by  John  Brown,  Jr.,  previous  to  the  publication  of  the 
Life: 

"  From  a  long  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Eedpath,  I  consider  him  not  only 
One  of  our  ablest  writers,  but  from  his  true  appreciation  of  my  father's 
character,  and  his  intimate  acquaintance  with  him  in  Kansas,  he  is  proba 
bly  as  well  prepared  as  any  one  could  be  to  write  his  history.  No  danger 


Publishers'    Bulletin. 


or  hardship  prevented  his  being  an  eyewitness  of  the  stirring  scenes 
which  made  so  large  a  part  of  the  history  of  Kansas.  He,  like  William 
Phillips,  the  Tribune's  Kansas  correspondent,  seemed  to  be  endowed  with 
the  capacity  of  being  omnipresent,  and  would  rush  into  the  jaws  of  death 
in  pur&uit  of  a  fact.  To  a  clear  and  visorous  mind  he  adds  an  honest, 
faithful,  and  fearless  heart.  '  He  is  doubtless  best  qualified  to  bring  out,  in 
their  true  light,  those  qualities  which  are  most  highly  appreciated  by 
the  lovers  of  romance  and  thrilling  incident." 

The  following  joint  letter  was  sent  to  the  Publisher  immediately  after 
the  publication  of  the  Biography  : 

NORTH  ELBA,  NEW  YORK,  JANUARY,  1860. 

We,  the  undersigned,  members  of  the  family  and  relatives  of  the  late 
John  Brown,  desire  to  express  our  approval  and  indorsement  of  the  biog 
raphy  of  our  honored  and  revered  relative,  written  by  James  Redpath,  and 
recently  published  by  Thayer  &  Eldridge,  of  Boston,  Massachusetts.  We 
think  the  work  the  best  that  can  be  produced  on  the  subject  at  the  present 
time ;  and  in  all  matters  of  fact,  it  is  essentially  correct,  while  it  is  written 
with,  an  enthusiasm  and  an  eloquence  which  we  thoroughly  appreciate  and 
admire.  The  ^jiblishers  have  issued  the  work  in  a  style  which  recom 
mends  itself  to  all  lovers  of  a  handsome  book,  in  regard  to  engravings, 
paper,  printing,  and  binding;  and  the  friends  of  John  Brown  who  "vpsh  to 
procure  and  preserve  a  memorial  of  his  life  and  deeds,  will  do  well  to  pro 
vide  themselves  with  a  copy  of  this  publication . 

MARY  A.  BROWN,  (Widow  of  John  Brown.) 

SALMON  BROWN, 

ISABEL  BROWN, 

HENRY  THOMPSON, 

JOHN  BROWN,  Jr., 

ANNIE  BROWN, 

MARTHA  BROWN, 

ABBIE  C.  BROWN, 

SARAH  BROWN, 

FREDERICK  BROWN,  (Brother  of  John  Brown.) 


Notices   of   the   Press. 

"  A  beautiful  printed  volume,  compiled  with  great  care,  by  one  well 
acquainted  with  the  subject  of  its  pages." — Boston  Merchants'  and  Manufac 
turers'  Magazine. 

"  Some  of  it  is,  no  doubt,  true,  but  a  larger  portion  is  composed  of  parti 
san  accounts,  garbled  extracts,  and  wilful  misrepresentations.  Redpath 
had  already  provided  himself  with  much  of  his  material  in  his  letters  to 
the  New  York  Tribune  from  this  territory  during  the  disturbances;  and 
where  his  own  store  did  not  supply  the  venom,  he  borrows  from  corre 
spondents  as  false  and  truthless  as  himself.  To  impeach  him  and  his  bor 
rowed  authorities  is  superfluous;  a  popular  verdict  has  been  already 
rendered  against  them;  and  to  give  an  extensive  review  and  exposure  of 
the  book  is  useless,  as  the  readers  will  perceive  its  rottenness  themselves. 
But  the  spirit  of  the  book  deserves  more  than  a  passing  notice.  Aside 
from  the  fanaticism  which  marks  every  page,  and  which  'would  bring  the 
author  to  the  same  gibbet,  did  he  possess  the  animal  courage  of  Brown, 
there  is  a  certain  studied  design  in  the  work  to  make  more  "  heroes  of 

Harper's  Ferry." Redpath  is  an  abolitionist,  hates  the  Union,  is  even  on 

the  look-out  to  create  sectional  strife,  and  came  to  Kansas  to  assist  in  fo 
menting  civil  war  between  the  North  and  the  South,  believing  the  opportuni- 


Publishers'    Bulletin. 


ty  propitious  for  bringing  about  disunion.  Such  is  the  biographer  of  John 
B/own,  and  the  work  was  conceived  and  executed  in  the  same  spirit  which 
actuated  all  his  former  undertakings.  An  appeal  is  directly  made  to  the 
partisan  feeling  row  existing,  —  opposing  section;  are  hissed  on  to  strife, — 
abolition,  by  servile  insurrection,  advocated  and  planned,  —  John  Brown 
indorsed  and  canonized, — and  the  existence  of  another  similar  conspiracy 
divulged."' — Leavemcorth  (Kansas')  Herald.  [Organ  of  David  K.  Atchison.] 

"  The  perusal  of  it  has  not  only  served  to  fill  up  a  passing  hour,  but  has 
been  the  means  of  conferring  much  light  upon  the  sufferings  tf  Kansas. 
The  volume  is  richly  interspersed  with  interesting  incidents  in  the  experi 
ence  of  Mr.  Brown,  which  but  few  beside"  the  aufhor  could  h^ve  given  in 
so  graphic,  feeling,  and  touching  a  manner."  —  Protestant  Methodist  Olive 
Branch. 

"  The  author  is  James  Kedpath,  so  prominent  in  Kansas  annals,  an  inti 
mate,  personal  friend  of  Captain  Brown,  and  a  spirited  and  graphic  writer, 
lie  is  probably  better  adapted  to  the  task  than  any  other  person  in  the 
country." — Neio  Bedford  Standard. 

"  This  book  is  from  the  vigorous  and  graphic  pen  of  James  Kedpath, 
whose  sympathies  in  the  intensely  interesting  deeds  with  which  he  has  to 
deal,  is  a  strong  gunrantee  that  this  biography  will  be  no  ordinary  produc 
tion." — Marlboro*  Mirror. 

"  This  work  is  reliable." — Boston  Atlas  and  Bee. 

"  Who  can  so  well  write  the  Life  of  Osawatomie  Brown,  as  James  Red- 
path,  who  was  with  him  in  Kansas,  and  fully  identified  in  feeling  with  the 
noLtle  obje3t  of  the  old  man's  life  ?  Had  John  Brown  selected  a  biographer, 
James  Redpath  would  unquestionably  have  been  the  man." — Anti-Slavery 
Bufjle. 

"  This  book  will  undoubtedly  be  read  by  hundreds  of  thousands.  It  is  writ 
ten  by  a  friend  and  admirer.  His  early  history,  his  Kansas  work,  his  attack 
on  Missouri,  and  the  enterprise  in  which  he  lost  his  life,  are  all  well  de 
picted." — Ziorfs  Herald. 

"  We  don't  believe  in  John  Brown He  thought  God  had  called  him 

as  a  sort  of  Moses  to  free  the  coljred  race  from  bondage How  far  this 

idea  is  consistent  with  perfect  sanity  of  mind  —  that  is  a  question  not  easily 

solved We  suppose  this  Life  would  come  within  the  scope  of  he 

"  penal  act "  lately  proposed,  but  it  will  hardly  injure  anybody  of  sound 
mind." — Bridgeport  (Conn.)  Standard. 

"The  author  is  a  writer  of  ability  and  experience." — Williams  County 
Leader  ( Ohio). 

"  The  tone  of  the  work  is  that  of  profound  admiration  of  the  subject, 
and  of  intense  sympathy  with  the  acts  for  which  he  lost  his  life." — N.  1. 
Tribune. 

"  The  reputation  of  the  author  of  this  work,  as  a  writer,  and  the  univer 
sal  interest  taken  by  the  public  in  the  life  and  character  of  its  subject, 
rendered  the  mere  announcement  of  its  publication  the  signal  for  a  demar  d 
unparalleled  in  the  history  of  book  publishing. . .  .The  book  is  exceedingly 
well  written,  and  portrays  in  graphic  and  faithful  color?,  the  exciting  scenes 
of  the  Kansas  war,  the  invasion  of  Virginia,  the  trial,  and  the  execution." 
—  Courier,  Seneca  Falls,  N.  Y. 

"  On  the  2d  December  last,  the  old  man,  John  Brown,  a  traitor  to  the 
laws  of  his  country,  and  a  high-handed  murderer,  expiated  his  treason  and 
his  murder  on  the  gallows.  There  is  always  a  morbid  curiosity  respecting 
a  noted  criminal  in  the  public  mind,  and  this  curiosity  increases  in  due 
ratio  to  the  enormities  of  which  its  subject  has  been  guilty.  So,  John 
Brown,  having  planned  a  wholesale  murder,  is  embalmed  in  nice  white 
paper  and  clear  type,  although  his  designs  were  providentially  defeated 


Publishers'    Bulletin. 


•with  the  sacrifice  of  but  few  lives.  His  biographer,  James  Redpath,  -warmly 
sympathizer  -vyith  the  nefarious  scheme  of  his  hero,  and  being  blessed  with 
a  wonderful  vision,  sees  promises  of  future  wonder  in  his  early  years.  He 
shows  us  child-Brown,  boy-Brown,  man-Brown,  Kansas-Brown,  (a  charac 
ter  to  be  respected,  despite  the  fact  that  he  had  a  weakness  for  taking  the 

law  in  his  own  hands,)  and  traitor-Brown As  a  literary  production,  the 

b"<ok  possesses  but  little  merit,  being  hastily  and  clumsilv  executed." — 
Chelsea  Herald. 

"  No  better  biographer  could  have  been  selected,  to  show  the  bright  side 
of  Captain  Brown,  than  Mr.  Redpath.  He  entered  upon  his  task  with  his 
whole  souh'V-.Bos£o»  Transcript. 

''  Mr.  Redpath's  biography  is  not  destitute  of  merit;  but  it  is  so  radical 
in  its  tone,  that  it  may  fail  to  find  that  response  which  it  seeks  in  the  breast 
of  the  general  reader.  We  are  not  disappointed  in  this  respect;  we  know 
something  of  the  author;  he  is  an  impulsive  man, but  not  fickle,  and  never 
does  things  by  halves.  His  book  is  truthful,  and  yet  somewhat  partial.  In 
teresting  it  is,  eminently  so;  and  the  author's  spirit  never  flags.  The 
autobiography  is  one  of  the  most  valuable,  as  it  is  one  of  the  most  enter 
taining  chapters  in  the  volume." — Woonsocket  (R.  /.)  Patriot. 

"  This  book  is  well-written  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  intended, — 
namely,  for  inculcating  the  doctrine  that  John  Brown  was  a  saint  and  a  hero. 
To  the  admirers  of  the  leader  of  the  Harper's-Ferry  foray,  it  will  doubtless 
prove  very  acceptable,  as  it  is  in  point  of  literary  merit  as  well  as  authen 
ticity —  so  far  as  the  non- political  details  are  concerned —  far  ahead  of  any 
life  of  the  man  that  has  yet  been  published." — Providence  Post. 

"  The  accounts  of  Brown's  career  in  Kansas  are  very  full,  and  will  be 
read  with  great  interest." — New  Bedford  Standard. 

The  most  exciting  book  of  the  day penned  in  that  startling  and 

graphic  style  which  so  distinguishes  its  talented  author."  —  Erie  True 
American. 

"  A  spirited  and  graphic  writer." — Allegan  Journal. 

"The  book  is  one  of  intense  interest." — Montreal  Transcript. 

"  The  book  is  well  got  up,  the  materials  of  the  work  well  arranged  by 
the  author,  and  is  an  able  tribute  to  old  Osawatomie,  who  dared  to  beard 
the  lion  in  his  den  to  forward  the  object  of  his  heart, — the  liberation  of  the 
Blacks  from  slavery." —  Conneaut  (  Ohio)  Reporttr. 

" Mr.  Redpath  loved  him,  arid  having  the  confidence  of  the  family, 

and  being  with  him  personally  much,  he  had  abundant  opportunities  for 
learning  "all  he  wished  of  his 'life.  He  sympathizes  with  him  fully.  The 
biographer  seems  to  have  performed  his  task  from  his  stand-point  of  view 

in  an  admirable  manner We  think  it  will  meet  the  expectations  which 

have  been  raised  in  regard  to  it." — Dover  (N.  II.}  Morning  Star. 

"  This  is  a  book  which  will  have  few  indorsers:  for  it  is  a  thousand  times 

more  fiery  ihnn  Helperjs  book,  and  glorifies  John  Brown  throughout 

And  it  will  find  millions  of  readers;  fur  Redpath  is  a  live  wncer,  and  his 
reader  cannot  go  to  sleep  over  his  pages  whether  he  likes  or  dislikes  the 
discourse,  ihebook  is  equal  to  the  greatest  sensation- story  in  interest; 
and  then  the  truth  is  stranger  than  fiction." — Portsmouth  (N.  II.)  Morning 
Chronicle. 

"  A  very  interesting  book." — Ilaverhill  (Mass.)  Gazette. 

"  An  interesting,  and  we  doubt  not  a  tru'hful  history  of  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  men  of  the  age." — Ilallowell  (Me.)  Gazette. 

"  A  very  earnest  and  .hearty  vindication  of  the  life  and  character  of  the 
hero  of  Harper's  Ferry,  and,  at  the  same  time,  a  minute  and  accurate  his 
tory  of  his  public  career." — Lynn  Reporter. 


Publishers'    Bulletin. 


"  The  author,  Jatnes  Redpath,  was  peculiarly  qualified  to  undertake  the 
task,  and  has  produced  a  book  which  is  at  once  truthful,  reliable,  and  in 
teresting,  and  which  will  go  far  toward  redeeming  the  old  man's  memory 
from  the  obloquy  attempted  to  be  cast  upon  it  by  the  violent  Upholders 
and  justifiers  of  the  slave-power."  —  Lancaster  (Pa.)  Examiner  and 
Her  ail. 

"  There  are  few  books  that  have  so  large  a  sale,  and  perhaps  so  few  in 
dorsee.  It  is  a  sensation-book  throughout;  full  of  both  blood  arid  thunder." 
— Boston  Temperance  Visitor. 

"  Mr.  Redpath  has  brought  to  this  '  labor  of  love '  literary  attainments 
of  a  high  r rder,  the  advantage  of  an  intimate  personal  acquaintance  with 
the  distinguished  subject,  and  thorough  devotion  to  the  cause  which  was 
nearest  the  heart  of  the  old  captain.  He  has  besides  had  possess:on  of 
numerous  unpublished  letters  and  manuscripts  of  old  Brown,  and  enjoyed 
the  confidence  and  assistance  of  his  family.  The  book  is  a  noteworthy 
contribution  to  literature." — Prarie  du  Chien  Leader. 

"  The  book  is  graphically  written." — Amherst  (N.  II.)  Farmer's  Cabinet. 

"  A  faithful  biography  of  the  veteran,  by  one  who  is  eminently  qualified, 
by  ability  and  inclination,  to  do  his  memory  justice."  —  Cape  Cod  Advo 
cate. 

"  Every  reading  man  in  Kansas  knows  that  James  Redpath  is  an  able 
historian,  one  peculiarly  qualified  to  write  the  life  of  John  Brown." — Leapen- 
icorih  Daily  State  Register. 

"  Full  of  the  fanaticism  that  led  its  subject  to  the  scaffold."—  N.  Y.  Ex 
press. 

"  A  well-executed  narrative  of  Brown's  public  life,  by  a  man  eminently 
qualified,  both  by  personal  knowledge  and  literary  ability,  for  the  task."— 
Chicopee  (Mass.)  Journal. 

"  Well  written." — Groton  R.  R.  Mercury. 

"  Written  in  Redpath's  nervous  and  graphic  style." — Freedom's  Champion 
(Kansas). 

"  Rather  an  interesting  work." — Nunda  (N.  T.)  News. 

"  Mr.  Redpath  knew  John  Brown  in  Kansas,  and  does  full  justice  to  his 
glorious  and  heroic  achievements  there." — Yates  Co.  Chronicle. 

"  Truthful  and  reliable  and  full  of  interest." — Marilteim  (Pa.)  Sentinel 

"  The  letter  in  which  the  old  man  records  his  own  recollections  of  his 
boyhood,  i-5  as  charming  f  >r  its  simplicity  and  truthfulness,  as  anything  in 
the  autobiography  of  Benjamin  Franklin,  and  no  one  can  read  it  without 
seeing  in  it  a  revelation  of  those  qualities  which  have  made  the  author  the 
remarkable  man  he  was." — Bloomsburg  (Pa.)  Republican. 

"  It  contains  a  full  and  interesting  life  of  the  old  hero, — the  representa 
tive  man  of  the  19th  century." — Ware  (Mass.)  Standara. 

"  This  book  is  at  present  having  a  very  extensive  circulation,  and,  judg 
ing  from  the  tersencss^md  pungency  with  which  it  is  Avritten,  together  witli 
the  well-known  ability  of  the  author  as  a  writer,  \vc>  predict  that  its  circu 
lation  will  for  a  long  time  continue  to  increase  rather  than  diminish.  It 
contains  a  fine  steel  engraving  of  Captain  Brown,  and  will  bo  road  with 
interest  by  thousands,  not  among  the  immediate  partisans  of  the  writer 
and  his  subject." — South  Reading  Gazette. 

"  Redpath  was  the  companion  of  Brown  in  Kansas,  and  everybody  knows 
the  trip-hammer  eloquence  of  his  style  in  the  historical  descriptive,  ('apt. 
Brown's  life  is  full  of  romance,  and 'he  was  unquestionably  a  man  of  heart 
:.H  well  as  head.  The  portion  of  Kansas  history  contained  in  this  book 
is  valuable." — Boston  Christian  Freeman. 


Publishers'   Bulletin. 


"  The  published  life  of  John  Brown  by  Redpath,  proves  conclusively 
that  he  had  been  a  monomaniac  on  the  Slavery  question  for  twenty  years, 
and  that  he  was  not  a  Republican  in  party  bias  or  action,  but  acted  con 
trary  to  Republican  view?,  and  in  opposition  to  the  earnest  wishes  of  his 
personal  friends  in  the  Republican  ranks."  —  Lewisburg  ( Pa.J  Star  and 
Chronicle. 

"  Mr.  Eedpath.  has  collected  with  diligence  and  patience,  the  material 
necessary  for  forming  an  accui'ate  biography.  To  the  general  public,  as 
well  as  to  those  who  sympathized  with  John  'Brown,  the  book  will  possess 
much  interest.  It  gives  all  desirable  information  in  regard  to  its  hero, 
from  his  boyhood  up  to  the  time  of  his  execution."  —  Boston  Evening 
Gazette. 

"  The  well-known  James  Redpath  is  an  Abolitionist  of  the  darkest  hue, 
And  upholds  every  action  of  Brown.  The  book  can  do  no  harm." — Mont 
gomery  Democrat. 

"  We  can  recommend  it  as  a  very  full  and  good  account  of  the  renowed 

hero He  has  succeeded  in  producing  a  book  of  varied  interest."  — 

Spiritual  Age. 

"John  Brown  reminds  us  of  old  Cromwell;  for  like  him,  he  trusted  in 
the  Lord  and  kept  his  powder  dry.  He  haddpreat  piety,  good  fighting 
qualities,  and  unflinching  courage,  as  Mr.  Redpath  conclusively  proves  in 
his  entertaining  book." — Boston  Investigator. 

"  It  is  a  live  book  from  a  fearless  pen." — Fulton  (Pa.)  Republican. 

"  It  is  written  by  one  of  the  very  few  whose  sympathy  has  extended 
even  to  an  unqualified  indorsement  of  his  scheme.  There  is  much  in  the 
book  which  we  think  unwise  and  cannot  approve;  yet  it  is  written  Avith 
great  sincerity  and  honesty  of  purpose,  and  has  all  the  well-known  force, 
point,  and  vigor  of  the  author's  style." — Boston  Christian  Register. 

"  Redpath  is  one  of  the  best  descriptive  writers  of  the  present  day." — 
Wesffield  News  Letter. 

"  No  unprejudiced  man  or  woman  can  rise  from  a  perusal  of  the  book 
without  being  convinced  that  however  fanatical  they  may  consider  him, 
yet  that  he  considered  that  he  was  doing  as  he  would  be  done.b}^  in  obe 
dience  to  the  commands  of  his  Lord  and  Master,  and  that  he  was  anything 
but  the  bloodthirsty  man  the  slaveocracy  of  the  land  would  fain  make  the 
world  believe." — Calais  (Maine)  Advertiser. 

"  Mr.  Redpath,  the  author  of  this  book,  was  in  Kansas  during  the  excit 
ing  scenes  of  1S56  and  1857,  employed  as  the  special  correspondent  of  the 
St.  Louis  Democrat,  and  his  pungent  and  graphic  letters  to  that  journal 
attracted  general  attention.  Here  he  first  encountered  John  Brown ;  and 
here,  perhaps,  he  acquired  much  of  that  spirit  which  now  makes  him  an 
open  advocate  and  adviser  of  slave  insurrection. 

"  Since  that  period,  he  has  been  the  warm  friend  and  enthusiastic  admirer 
of  the  subject  of  his  biography.  In  a  Free  State  Convention,  held  in 
Kansas  two  years  ago,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  voting  for  State  officers 
under  the  Lecompton  Constitution,  (that  the  friends  of  freedom,  having 
possession  of  all  the  offices  under  that  infamous  instrument,  might  the 
more  effectually  crush  it,)  Mr.  Redpath  advocated  the  election  of  old 
John  Brown  to  the  governorship,  that  the  Border  Ruffians  might  understand 
what  the  Free-State  men  meant,  by  voting  under  their  attempted  usurpa 
tion  !  More  than  a  year  later,  Mr.  'Redpath  published  a  very  radical  anti- 
slavery  work;  he  dedicated  it  to  John  Brown. 

"  Writing  the  present  volume  (under  the  sanction  of  the  widow  and 
children  of  the  deceased)  was  to  him,  therefore,  a  labor  of  love.  He  be 
lieves  in  John  Brown  fin-^,  last,  and  always;  and  has  no  words  for  him  but 
those,  of  the  most  unqualified  laudation. 


Publishers'    Bulletin. 


"  He  criticises  the  Republican  as  bitterly  as  the  Democrat ;  lias  little 
charity  lor  those  who  believe  that  the  ballot-box  is  the  proper  agency  for 
the  removal  of  slavery;  and  not  only  admires  the  character  of  his  hero, 
for  its  constant  courage,  its  grand  unselfishness,  and  its  simple  trust  in 
God;  but  also  claims  that  all  his  public  acts  were  judicious,  prudent,  and 
right. 

"  Writing  from  this  point  of  view,  he  has  naturally  fallen  into  a  fatal 
hero-worship,  and  often  fails  in  exercising  a  just  discrimination. 

"  He  wields,  however,  a  facile  pen;  and  has  produced  a  work,  which,  not 
only  from  the  intrinsic  interest  of  the  subject,  but  also  from  its  spirited 
ami  graphic  style,  must  obtain  a  wide  circulation." — Boston  Conyrcya- 
tionahst. 

"  In  the  present  state  of  political  feeling,  only  a  limited  class  can  look 
impartially  on  the  life  of  John  Brown.  On  the  one  hand,  he  is  extolled 
and  sanctified;  on  the  other,  vilified  and  blackened  without  limit. 

"  Yet,  with  all  this  excited  partisan  feeling,  there  are  few  Avho  could 
read  this  biography  without  being  attracted  and  interested  in  the  displays 
of  independence  of  thought,  energy  of  action,  probity,  industry,  and  self- 
consecration,  to  a  perhaps  arbitrary  standard  of  duty  with  which  it  is 
filled. 

"  It  is  eminently  a  biography  of  facts,  and  as  such  possesses  interest 
The  author  heartily  indorses  every  net  of  John  Brown.  There  are  com 
paratively  few  who  go  so  far  af  that ;  but  no  one,  we  think,  can  read  the 
memoir  without  being  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  he  was  an  honest 
and  remarkable  man." — Boston  Journal. 

"  The  accurate  compilation  of  the  facts,  in  this  life  of  John  Brown,  shows 
to  poor  advantage  by  the  side  of  the  bitter  spirit  the  editor  betrays  toward, 
not  merely  slaveholders,  but  all  men  whose  opinions  are  not  his  own ; 
rather  the  contrary. 

"  And  his  blind  hero-worship,  we  should  say,  only  made  him  still  less 
qualified  to  be  a  just  and  entirely  useful  biographer. 

"In  a  proper  and  effective  biography,  there  should  be  no  taking  of  sides, 
—  no  signs  of  anything  like  partisanship, — not  the  least  disposition  to  make 
out  a  case !  if  there  is,  the  real  and  permanent  value  of  the  performance  is 
to  that  extent  impaired. 

"  And  this  should  be  our  general  criticism  of  the  author  of  the  present 
volume,  who  has,  nevertheless,  put  his  whole  heart  into  his  work." — 
Banner  of  Light. 

"  The  spirit  in  which  such  a  work  as  this  must  be  written,  is  very  fairly 
indicated  in  the  matter  and  manner  of  the  dedication,  which  is  to  Wendell 
Phillips,  Ralph  Waldo  Emerson,  and  Henry  D.  Thoreau,  under  the  title  of 
'Defenders  of  the  faithful,  who,  when  the  mob  shouted  madman!  said 
saint.3 

"  The  point  of  view  from  which  that  man  must  write  of  the  life  and 
actions  of  John  Brown,  who  could  call  him  '  saint,'  and  attempt  to  prove 
his  title  to  that  appellation,  may  be  easily  understood;  and,  consequently, 
while  the  book  will  fulfil  the  ardent  aspirations  of  those  who  regard  the 
hero  of  the  Charlestown  insurrection  as  a  martyr,  it  will  mislead  no  one  else, 
nor  aid  in  any  considerable  degree  in  inducing  future  ages  to  believe  him 
any  such  wronged  and  suffering  individual.  Neither  Mr.  James  Redpath, 
nor  yet  the  chivalry  of  Virginia,  are  the  men  who  can  measure  John  Bnnvn 
for  the  appreciation  of  future  ages,  if  any  such  things,  there  may  be  with 
suflicient  heed  for  the  doings  of  to-day  to  speak  of  them.  'Madman  '  ho 
was  not,  nor  yet  exactly  '  saint.'  'Fanatic,'  he  was,  of  the  hardest  and 
least  manageable  type,  with  stubborn  bravery  and  endurance  to  bear  him 
on,  and  just  enough  uneducated  to  make  him  dangerous 

"  The  gallows,  in  these  days,  is  getting  to  be  a  pretty  sure  precursor  of 
immortality,  and  a  place  upon  library  book-shelves.  John  Brown  has 


8  Publishers'    Bulletin. 

taken  his  turn  at  the  one,  and  Redpath  starts  him  on  his  career  of  the 
other.  That  he  has  clone  so  energetically,  nervously,  and  with  a  goodly 
array  of  really  interesting  facts,  to  make  more  generally  acceptable  a  book 
which  could  otherwise  only  have  found  a  sectional  circle  of  readers, — there 
can  be  no  question. 

"  The  public  history  of  John  Brown  will  be  canonized  on  Cornhill,  and 
furnish  texts  for  innumerable  lamentations  from  the  Cheeverian  pulpit  over 
this  degenerate  and  evil  age.  We  are  quite  willing  to  accord  to  it  a  full 
measure  of  ability,  while  we  lack  words  to  express  the  contempt  which  is 
inevitable  for  the  whining  tone  of  comparison  which  runs  through  the 
whole  b.ook,  between  the  Barcsai'k  fanatic  of  Harper's  Ferry  and  the  wor 
thies  of  every  portion  of  Scripture  record  which  can  be  dragged  into  ser 
vice. — New  York  Leader. 

"  Mr.  Redpath  is  a  friend  in  need,  and  comes  up  like  a  trump  to  the  de 
fence  of  old  Osawatomie  Brown,  at  a  time  when  his  aid  is  most  required 
to  shield  the  old  man's  reputation  from  the  attacks  of  even  his  professed 
/riends.  The  great  multitude  have  decided  that  John  Brown  was  an  honest 
fanatic  and  enthusiast,  whose  enthusiasm  amounted  to  the  frenzy  of 
madness.  But  Mr.  Eedpath  does  not  consider  him  anything  of  the  kind. 
On  the  contrary,  he  considers  his  hero  as  a  cool-headed  saint,  who  acci 
dentally  failed  to  accomplish  his  great  Avovk. 

"  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  old  Brown  and  his  biographer,  whether 
they  be  regarded  as  saints  and  heroes,  o#*ibols  or  fanatics,  all  will  agree 
that  the  book  is  an  extremely  interesting  one,  and  that  Mr.  Redpath,  in  the 
brief  space  allowed  him,  has  done  wonders  in  constructing  so  interesting 
a  narrative  of  the  events  of  the  remarkable  man  whose  mad  pranks  have 
convulsed  these  States  as  they  have  never  been  convulsed  before. 
Mr.  Redpath  completed  his  work  just  in  time  to  escape  from  the  arm  of 
the  law  which  was  extended  towards  him,  for  the  purpose  of  extract  ing 
from  him  some  facts  in  relation  to  the  conspiracy  against  the  State  of 
Virginia.  As  Mr.  Redpath  knew  more  than  any  other  man  on  this  sub 
ject,  it  is  a  great  pity  he  could  not  have  been  prevailed  upon  to  enlighten 
Congress  on  the  subject." — N.  Y.  Courier. 

"This  is  a  complete  life  of  ' John  Brown,  of  Osawatomie.'  It  is  well 
and  candidly  written,  by  One  of  his  most  ardent  admirers ;  and  as  a  history 
of  one  of  the  most  daring,  and,  at  the  same  time,  one  of  the  most  infatu 
ated  men  of  the  age,  it  is  complete.  From  the  first  to  the  last  page,  it  is 
full  of  stirring  incidents ;  and,  presenting  a  clear  history  of  the  Kansas 
struggle  and  Brown's  connection  therewith,  makes  it  a  valuable  acquisition 
to  the  history  of  the  times." — Independent  Banner. 

"  The  work  is  written  well,  with  the  exception  of  being  highly  colored 
in  some  portions." — Home  Gazette. 

"  In  the  book  before  us,  we  have  his  whole  history,  from  his  childhood 
to  his  honored  grave,  written  by  a  master  hand.  Mr.  Redpath  was  a  warm, 
personal  friend  of  the  glorious  old  hero." — Frederick  Douglass' Paper. 

"  This  work  contains  the  materials  for  the  true  life  of  the  new  Peter  the 
Hermit,  who  sought  to  redeem  the  Holy  Places  of  Humanity. 

"  This  Life  must  be  written  from  a  philosophic  stand-point,  co-ordinate 
in  elevation  to  Brown's  intent,  and  must  not  justify  to  Gideon  and  Samuel 
and  the  other  model  barbarians,  whom  we  venerate  at  a  distance  of  five 
thousand  years,  but  would  imprison  lor  life  in  any  civilized  community. 
John  Brown's  method  of  dealing  with  slavery  was  a  piece  with  his  false 
theology,  and  his  uncultured  mind; his  virtue,  his  fidelity,  are  what  makes 
the  world  fit  to  live  in. 

"  Look  not  at  the  arrow,  but  the  mark ;  so  shall  you  read  from  these  ab 
sorbing  incidents,  a  life  which  Mr.  Redpath,  with  his  honest  but  coarse 
pencil,  can  portray. 


Publishers'    Bulletin. 


"  A  friend  has  handed  us  the  following,  which  we  give  in  lieu  of  a  more 
detailed  account  of  this  intensely  interesting  book." — Dial,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio. 

"  It  would  have  been  well  if  this  book  had  never  been  written.  Mr. 
Eedpath  has  understood  neither  the  opportunities  opened  to  him,  nor  ihe 
responsibilities  laid  upon  him,  in  being  permitted  to  write  the  authorized 
life  of  John  Brown.  This  book,  in  whatever  light  it  is  viewed,  whether 
as  the  biography  of  a  remarkable  man,  as  a  historic  narrative  of  a  series 
of  extraordinary  and  important  events,  or  simply  as  a  piece  of  mere  literary 
job-work,  is  equally  unsatisfactory.  He  has  shown  himself  incompetent 
to  appieciate  tne  character  of  the  man  whom  he  admires,  and  be  has  con 
sequently  done  great  wrong  to  his  memory Its  tone  is  such,  it  is  so  ex 
travagant,  that  it  will  offend  all  right-thinking  men This  book  is  written 

in  the  spirit  and  style  of  an  abolition  tract The  most  interesting  and 

the  most  novel  part  of  Mr.  Eedpath's  book  is  the  letter  written  by  John 
Brown  ic  1857,  giving  some  account  of  his  early  life.  It  is  in  all  respects 

a  remarkable  composition That  John  Brown  was  wroug  in  his  attempt 

to  break  up  slavery  by  violence,  few  wLl  deny." — Professor  Norton,  in  the 
Atlantic  Monthly. 

"  The  Atlantic  Monthly.,  in  a  critical  notice  of  Eedpath's  Memoir  of  John 
Brown,  says:  '  It  reads  like  an  abolition  tract.'  I  believe  the  book  is  worthy 
of  this  praise.  It  gives  us,  in  a  style  of  great  simplicity  and  directness,  a 
narrative  of  highly  important  facts,  and  of  that  condition  of  manners  and 
morals,  that  depravity  in  Church  and  State,  which  gave  birth  to  them.  It 
is  a  great  and  rare  advantage  to  have  a  book  (which  must  inevitably  be  so 
widely  read  as  this)  entirely  free  from  the  detestable  cant  which  is  popu 
larly  written  and  read  in  regard  to  slavery;  the  assumption  of  the  church, 
that  the  holding  of  men  and  women  as  property  is  approved  by  God,  and 
compatible  with  Christianity;  of  the  State,  that  this  is  a  practice  which 
may  properly  be  enforced  by  a  Avhite  majority  against  a  black  minority ; 
of  the  Eepublicans,  that,  however  bad  North  of  Mason  and  Dixon's  line, 
slavery  is  sacred  and  inviolable  South  of  it;  of  the  merchants,  that  trade 
is  of  more  cdhsequence  than  human  rights ;  of  the  literary  class,  that 
Southern  gentlemen  and  scholars  ought  not  to  be  interfered  with,  merely 
for  the  sake  of  ignorant  and  stupid  people,  black  or  white; 'and  of  the 
mass  of  unreflecting  men  and  women,  that  whatever  is  established  is,  of 
course,  to  be  supported  and  perpetuated.  It  is  much,  I  say,  to  have  a  popu 
lar  book,  free  from  these  enormous  and  pernicious  public  errors. 

"  But  the  merit  of  Mr.  Eedpath's  book  is  not  merely  of  this  negative 
kind. 

"  It  teaches,  by  implication,  positively  just  and  right  sentiments  upon 
the  momentous  subject  of  slavery.  It  everywhere  takes  for  granted  these 
great  truths, —  that  slavery,  except  for  the  sake  of  crime,  is  itself  a  crime; 
that  the  relation  of  slaveholder  to  slave  gives  no  rights  to  the  former,  and 
imposes  no  obligation  upon  the  latter;  that  freedom  is  the  right  of  every 
slave,  and  that  his  duty  and  interest  alike  call  upon  him  to  assume  this 
right  whenever  practicable;  that  humanity  and  Christianity  alike  require 
the  interference  of  others  for  the  help  of  the  slave,  whenever  and  wherever 
such  help  can  be  made  available;  that  it  is  owing  to  the  conniption  of 
manners  and  morals,  naturally  engendered  by  a  slaveholding  Church  and 
State,  and  by  the  labors  of  clergymen  and  legislators  in  behalf  of  slavery, 
that  so  little  active  interference  in  aid  of  the  slaves  has  yet  been  attempted; 
that  it  is  becoming  more  a-nd  more  manifest  that  such  interference  is  de 
manded,  not  only  for  the  help  of  the  slaves,  but  to  prevent  the  rights  of 
white  citizens  of  the  North  being  entirely  swallowed  up  by  the  increasing 
incursions  of  the  slave-power,  and  that  it  should  be  remembered,  whenever 
slaves  ?.re  aided  on  the  soil,  where  they  have  spent  their  lives  in  enforced 
labor  without  wages,  that,  as  a  general  rule,  the  movable  property  found  in 


io  Publishers'    Bulletin. 

the  possession  of  the  slaveholder,  rightfully  belongs  to  the  slave,  and  may 
properly  be  used,  by  himself  or  his  agent,  in  his  service. 

"  Being  thus  free  from  the  prejudices  naturally  existing  among  the  less 
intelligent  people  in  a  slavehoklina  nation,  (because  directly  fostered  and 

Eerpetuated  by  their  leaders  in  Church  and  State,)  and  being  founded  on  a 
igh  morality 'and  a  pure  religion,  the  laws  of  justice  and  of  love,  this 
book  possesses  the  further  resemblance  to  'an  abolition  tract,'  that  it  takes 
the  stand-point  which  history,  the  judgment  of  the  wise  and  good,  and 
(after  these)  popular  opinion  "itself,  must  ultimately  take.  After  slavery 
shall  have  been  abolished,  the  flimsy  defences  now  'patched  up  for  it  by 
priests  and  politicians. will  utterly  disappear;  the  arguments  of  abolition 
ists,  now  called  fanatical  by  slaveholders  and  their  Northern  tools,  will 
appear  manifest  truisms,  the  obvious  voice  of  common  sense,  humanity, 
Justice,  and  religion,  and  the  wonder  will  be  that  a  popular  opinion  and  a 
national  custom,  adverse  to  them,  could  have  existed  in  the  nineteenth 
century,  after  the  declaration,  by  the  ancestors  of  that  same  people,  in  the 
eighteenth,  that  the  inalienable  freedom  of  all  men  was  a  self-evident 
truth. 

"  When  we  know,  in  addition  to  the  above,  that  Mr.  Redpath's  book 
possesses  the  quality  (not  enjoyed  by  all '  abolition  tracts ')  of  being  ex 
tremely  interesting,  and  that  it  finds,  in  consequence,  an  extensive  sale  and 
an  increasing  number  of  readers,  we  may  hope  that  it  will  sow  the  seeds 
of  many  enterprises  for  the  help  of  the  slave,  and  waken  many  hearts  to 
inquire  what  they  can  do,  directly  as  well  as  indirectly,  in  his  behalf."— 
(7.  K.  Wliipple  in  the  Boston  Liberator. 

"  The  author  seems  to  have  done  the  man  justice It  exhibits  him 

as  a  man,  a  Christian,  doing  what  he  believed  to  be  right, — a  ivorkiny  rather 
ths  n  a  theoretical  philanthropist. . .  .This  book  is  valuable  for  reference  in 
relation  to  the  disgraceful  and  bloody  scenes  which  took  place  in  Kansas, 
during  the  conflict  between  slavery  and  freedom  in  that  distracted  terri 
tory." — Lincoln  (Maine)  Advertiser. 

"  Eedpath  is  a  violent  abolitionist  and  believes  that  BrownJs  conduct  was 
justifiable  and  renders  him  a  hero  and  a  saint.  He  writes  in  intense  admi 
ration  of  Brown,  and  of  course  uses  his  best  endeavors  to  convince  his 
readers  of  the  glorious  character  of  his  mode.  There  are  very  many  who 
will  not  like  this  book  upon  that  account.  It  is  too  highly 'colored,  and 
will  have  to  be  read  with  caution,  so  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  weigh  all 
the  statements  made,  and  separats  extravagant  eulogy  from  fact." — Phila 
delphia  Sunday  Dispatch. 

"  Mr.  Eedpath  was  just  the  man  to  write  this  biography,  having  a  strong 
sympathy  with  the  subject,  and  being  conversant  with  the  events  which 
had  been  the  occasion  of  this  character's  development. . .  .We  have  read  the 
book,  and  we  believe  thousands  will  read  it,  with  picture  and  profit.  It 
is  the  most  refreshing  draught  we  have  taken  from  the  well  of  our  English 
literature  for  a  long  time.  It  is  evident  that  the  writer  loves  his  subject 
as  a  brother,  and  adnrres  him  as  a  hero;  but  we  find  no  fault  with  this, 
for  we  cannot  help  loving  and  admiring  him,  too.  If  there  are  a  few  more 
such  true  souls  as  his  left  in  our  country,  she  is  rich  indeed.  The  account 
incorporated  into  this  work  of  the  family  of  John  Brown,  at  North  Elba, 
written  by  T.  W.  Iligginson,  is  one  of  the  most  touch  ng  things  we  ever 
read.  The  story  of  his  camp  life  and  battles  in  Kansas,  is  "full  cf  the 
highest  romance,  and  reveals  the  actor  as  a  hero  of  magnificent  propor 
tions." — East  Boston  Ltdyer. 

"  An  able  history  of  an  eventful  aui  unusually  stirring  and  active  life." 
— New  York  Waverley. 


Publishers'    Bulletin.  1 1 

II. 

ECHOES  OF  HARPER'S  FERRY.  Edited  by  JAMES 
REDPATH,  and  Dedicated  to  His  Excellency  Fabre  Gef« 
frard,  President  of  the  Republic  of  Hayti.  Boston  : 
Thayer  &  Eldridge,  114  &  116  Washington  Street. 
1860.  pp.  514.  Price  $1.25.  Sent  by  mail,  prepaid, 
on  receipt  of  the  retail  price. 

This  volume  is  a  collection  of  the  greatest  Speeches,  Sermons,  Lectures, 
Letters,  Poems,  and  other  Utterances  of  the  leading  minds  of  America  and 
Europe,  called  forth  by  John  Brown's  Invasion  of  Virginia.  They  are  all 
given  —  mostly  for  the  first  time  —  unabridged;  and  they  have  all  been 
corrected  by  their  authors  for  this  edition,  or  reprinted  with  their  permis 
sion  from  duly  authorized  copies.  That  this  volume  is  justly  entitled  to 
the  claim  for  being  the  first  collection  of  worthy  specimens  of  American 
Eloquence,  the  following  summary  of  its  contents  will  show. 

It  contains  revised  and  unabridged  Speeches,  Discourses,  Sermons,  and 
Lectures,  by  Wendell  Phillips  (2),  Ralph  Waldo  Emerson  (2),  Henry  D. 
Th»reau,  Edward  Everett,  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  Charles  0' Conor,  Rev. 
Gilbert  Haven,  Ptev.  Edwin  M.  Wheelock,  Dr.  Cheever  (2),  Tales  Hemy 
Kewhall,  Theodore  Tilton,  William  A.  Phillips,  Rev.  M.-  D.  Oonway,  Rev. 
James  Freeman  Clarke ;  Letters  and  Essays  by  Victor  Hugo  (2),  Theodore 
Parker  (2,)  Lydia  M.  Child  and  Mrs.  Mason  of  Virginia,  Wm.  Lloyd  Gar 
rison,  John  G.  Whittier,  Elizur  Wright,  &c.  &c.;  brief  contributions  from 
C.  K.  Whipple,  Hon.  Mr.  Tilden,  Rev.  Mr.  Belcher,  Richard  Realf,  &c. ; 
Poems  by  Wm.  Allinghame,  Rev.  E.  H.  Sears,  L.  M.  Alcott,  Mrs.  Child, 
Wm.  D.  Howells,  F.  B.  Sanborn,  &c. 

Annexed  to  these  various  productions  are  the  autographs  of  their 
authors  —  Phillips,  Emerson,  Thoreau,  Alcott,  Parker,  John  Brown,  Sears, 
Tilton,  Wm.  Phillips,  Cheever,  Newhall,  Haven,  Everett,  Beecher,  O'Con- 
or,  Whittier,  Garrison,  Whipple,  Conway,  Tilden,  £c. 

The  Appendix  contains  the  widely  celebrated  statistical  articles  of  Henry 
C.  Carey,  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  Value  of  the  Union  to  the  North ;  a  series 
of  essays  (covering  60  pages  of  small  type  in  the  volume)  which  may 
safely  be  recommended  as  a  specific  to  the  "  business  interests  of  tho 
country,"  whenever  that  respectable  body  is  again  threatened  with  an 
attack  of  Union-saving. 

This  collection  received  the  same  style  of  praise  and  of  censure  which 
greeted  the  appearance  of  the  Life  of  John  Brown.  It  is  therefore  un 
necessary  to  give  specimens  of  either. 


12  Publishers'    Bulletin. 

III. 

SOUTHERN  NOTES  FOR  NATIONAL  CIRCULA 
TION.  Edited  by  JAMES  REDPATH.  Boston  :  Thayer 
&  Eldridge,  114  and  116  Washington  Street.  A  hand 
some  pamphlet  of  132  pages.  Price  25  cents. 

This  is  a  volume  of  facts  of  recent  Southern  life,  as  narrated  by  the 
Southern  and  Metropolitan  press.  It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that,  next  to 
Charles  Sumner's  Speech,  it  is  the  most  unanswerable  and  exhaustive  im 
peachment  of  the  Slave  Power  that  has  hitherto  been  published.  Although 
treating  of  different  topics,  it  extends,  completes,  and  strengthens  the  argu 
ment  of  the  Senator.  It  is  a  history  of  the  Southern  States  for  six  months 
subsequent  to  John  Brown's  Invasion  of  Virginia.  No  one  who  has  read 
Sumner's  Speech  should  fail  to  procure  this  pamphlet.  The  diversity  of 
its  contents  may  be  judged  from  the  titles  of  its  Chapters  —  Key  Notes, 
Free  Speech  South,  Free  Press  South,  Law  of  the  Suspected,  Southern 
Gospel  Freedom,  Southern  Hospitality,  Post  Office  South,  Our  Adopted 
Fellow-Citizens  South,  Persecutions  of  Southern  Citizens,  The  Shivering 
Chivalry,  Sports  of  Heathen  Gentlemen.  As  a  manual  for  Anti-Slavery 
and  Republican  orators  and  editors  it  is  invaluable. 


. .'.. 


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